France is sending soldiers, radars and air defence to Yanbu, the Red Sea port that became Saudi Arabia's main oil outlet after the 2026 war closed Hormuz.
Built during the Iran-Iraq war: 1,201 km and 13 pumping stations, so Saudi oil could reach the Red Sea without passing Hormuz.
Macron and Saudi Arabia announced a strategic partnership covering defence, energy, culture and investment.
After the Iran war began on 28 February, flows through Hormuz fell below 10% of normal, the IEA said.
On 9 March 2026 western Saudi ports exported a record 5.9 million barrels a day, against 1.7 million on average in 2025.
After a Saudi strike on Sanaa airport on 13 July, the Houthis declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia on 20 July.
Macron and Mohammed bin Salman launched a new council and a declaration strengthening defence cooperation, including armaments and training.
Drones launched from Iraq hit pumping stations. The line, carrying about 4 million barrels a day, was shut and Brent rose above 100 dollars.
The Houthis claimed missile and drone strikes on Aramco facilities in Yanbu on 16 and 19 September. Riyadh confirmed no damage.
The pipeline restarted at a low rate. A French diplomatic source said France was ready to help secure Yanbu, strictly defensive.
Soldiers, radars and defence systems to protect Yanbu, not to join any conflict. Six missiles aimed at Yanbu and Taif were intercepted within hours.
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