France has deployed Rafale fighter jets over the United Arab Emirates to protect its naval and air bases against Iranian attacks, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.

Axar.az informs, citing France 24, France has hundreds of navy, air force and army personnel based in the United Arab Emirates.

"These Rafales and their pilots are mobilised to ensure the security of our facilities.They have carried out operations to secure the airspace above our bases," Barrot said.

On Sunday, "a hangar at a French base in the United Arab Emirates was hit by a drone", Barrot noted.

"Exchanges are multiplying to determine both how the country can defend itself against future attacks and how France can protect its interests there," he added.