PARIS, March 5 (Xinhua) -- France has authorized U.S. aircraft to make "temporary" use of French military bases in the Middle East, French media reported on Thursday.

The debris is seen in Tehran, Iran, March 3, 2026.  The joint U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran entered its fourth day. (Photo: Xinhua)

French news channel BFMTV, citing a spokesperson for the French military's general staff, said the aircraft contribute to the protection of France's partners in the Gulf as the conflict launched by the United States and Israel against Iran continues in the region.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Wednesday that French Rafale fighter jets had "neutralized" Iranian drones targeting French military bases in the United Arab Emirates.