As Macron visits Gulf, can France forge its own energy-for-security future?

Emmanuel Macron arrived in Bahrain during a three-day Gulf tour, after visits to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, with Qatar next on his itinerary. He aims to strengthen defence ties and secure France’s oil and gas supplies as the US-Israel war on Iran disrupts global fuel shipments. France and Kuwait signed eight agreements covering areas including defence, artificial intelligence and investment, while Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed cooperation in energy and technology. A King’s College London analyst said the visit reflects the gradual emergence of a “post-American” Middle East in which Washington is increasingly struggling to exercise political leadership.