The French seem to be doing well for themselves lately.

Iran standoff sees France winning Gulf friends, influence

…the new element is the fear among Iran’s foes Israel and the Gulf states that the United States has turned softer on Iran, leaving Paris as the leading defender of their interests.

As France struggles to reform its weak domestic economy and watches Germany increasingly shape European Union policy, that is a realignment full of welcome trade and diplomatic promise for Hollande’s government.

“This is not just about arms sales … but about strategic influence in the region,” said Middle East specialist Shashank Joshi at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.

“France can win influence with Saudi Arabia and Israel.”