France Allows US Aircraft to Use Air Base With Condition of No Strikes on Iran

France has allowed the United States to use one of its military air bases on the condition that the aircraft will not be used for attacks on Iran, the French military said on Thursday.

According to the French Armed Forces, US military support aircraft have been granted permission to use a French base, but they are not participating in combat operations against Iran. French authorities said they had received “full assurances” on this matter.

France’s military headquarters said operational support aircraft from the United States — not fighter jets — have been authorized to land at the Istres-Le Tubé Air Base.

Officials added that, given the current regional tensions, France imposed strict conditions requiring that the aircraft must not take part in US operations targeting Iran. Instead, they are expected to provide defensive support to partners in the region.

Meanwhile, Russia issued a strong reaction to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement released Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia accused the United States and Israel of attempting to draw Arab countries into the conflict.

The Russian foreign ministry said Washington and Israel had deliberately created conditions that would compel Tehran to respond militarily.

According to Moscow, Iran’s retaliatory actions have already struck targets in some Arab countries, causing both humanitarian and material damage. Russia expressed deep regret over the consequences.

The statement added that the current situation appears aimed at pushing Arab states into the conflict to serve the interests of the United States and Israel.