West Asia Crisis: France Sends Military Resources To Support Israel Against Iran, India Calls For Restraint

After Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, France announced on Wednesday (2 October) that it is deploying additional military resources to the Middle East in response to the escalating Iranian threat, The Hindu reported.

Earlier in the day, Iran stated that its missile assault on Israel was complete unless further provoked, while both Israel and the United States (US) vowed to retaliate, raising fears of a broader conflict.

"Committed to Israel’s security, France today mobilised its military resources in the Middle East to counter the Iranian threat," the French Presidency said calling for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting.

"The head of state also reiterated France’s demand that Hezbollah cease its terrorist actions against Israel and its population," a statement following an emergency Cabinet meeting to address the regional crisis added.

However, no details were provided on the specific military assets sent. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has been in contact with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to coordinate diplomatic responses.

Last week, Paris and Washington had attempted to broker a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon just hours before Israel's airstrikes killed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Additionally, the French Presidency plans to organize a conference in support of Lebanon and has tasked the Foreign Minister with traveling to the region to pursue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

Meanwhile, a statement from the India's Ministry of External Affairs called for restraint and urged all concerned parties to protect civilians, expressing concern over the escalation in West Asia.

"It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said.