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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

France mobilises to help 400,000 nationals stranded due to Middle East war

Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, in retaliation to United States and Israel strikes on Iran, as seen from Doha, Qatar, 1 March, 2026. REUTERS - Mohammed Salem

The US‑Israel military operation against Iran has plunged the Middle East into chaos, with thousands of French expatriates stranded amid closed airspaces and mounting tensions. The French government says it will spare no effort to bring people home safely.

The weekend strikes carried out jointly by the US and Israel against Iran and Tehran's subsequent retaliation have disrupted air travel over much of the region, leaving tens of thousands of French citizens and – residents and visitors alike – unable to depart.

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