France intercepted Iranian drones targeting 'Israel': Lecornu
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France confirms it intercepted Iranian drones targeting “Israel” during a recent 12-day war following pledges to fully defend the occupation.
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French President Emmanuel Macron is welcomed by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 20, 2025. (AP)
The French military intercepted multiple Iranian drones aimed at “Israel” before the ceasefire that took effect earlier this week, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu admitted. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Middle East tensions, Lecornu confirmed France’s active involvement in operations aimed at countering Iranian drone strikes.
According to Lecornu, Iran launched approximately 400 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones during the 12-day war.
“I can confirm that the French army intercepted fewer than 10 drones over the past few days during the various military operations conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Israel, either with ground-to-air systems or Rafale fighter jets,” he stated.
When "Israel" launched its war on Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron rushed to assert "Israel's right to self-defense" and confirmed Paris's readiness to defend "Israel".
Not a first for France
This is not the first time France has intervened to protect the Israeli occupation against Iran's retaliatory operations, directly engaging in military hostilities.
In April 2024, France intercepted the drones launched by Iran toward the occupied Palestinian territories in retaliation against the Israeli occupation attacking Iran's consulate in Syria "at Jordan's request," Macron said.
France was among three foreign nations that helped the Israeli occupation intercept the projectiles bound for the occupied Palestinian territories, as its "effort" was joined by the United Kingdom, the United States, and Jordan.
Read more: France distances itself from US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites
