France Deploys Rafale Jets Over UAE After Iranian Drone Strike Amid Middle East Tensions

France has deployed Rafale fighter jets over the United Arab Emirates to protect its military bases following an Iranian drone strike on a French facility at the Dhafra base near Abu Dhabi. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed operations to secure airspace amid escalating tensions after US and Israeli attacks killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and family members. Iran has since launched missile and drone attacks targeting US allies in the Gulf region, intensifying the Middle East conflict.