The military base deal will make France one of the first Western countries other than the United States to have a base in the Persian Gulf region. The presence would give Paris the ability to project its forces into a crucial oil-producing region where many countries are wary of Iran's rising influence.

The deal is “a sign to all that France is participating in the stability of this region of the world,” he said.

Iran's progress in building its nuclear facilities has sparked a rush among Arab countries to look at programs of their own.

Chubin said the base and nuclear technology deal are consistent with Sarkozy's more activist policies against Iran and closer ties with the U.S.