President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that France is deploying its flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean amid the escalating Middle East conflict.
He stated that the carrier, its air wing, and accompanying frigates have been ordered to sail to the region, aiming to protect maritime routes and safeguard Europe’s economic interests as energy prices rise due to the US and Israel’s military actions against Iran.
Macron highlighted the urgency of the deployment, citing threats to the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and Red Sea shipping lanes.
He emphasized that France is working to form a coalition to pool resources, including military support, to ensure essential sea lanes are reopened and secured for global trade.
Additionally, Macron announced the dispatch of a frigate and air defense units to Cyprus, following Iranian drone strikes on the British Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri.
French forces have also intercepted drones to protect the airspace of Gulf allies, demonstrating France’s active defense measures in the region.
While holding Iran primarily accountable for retaliatory attacks, Macron called for a swift cessation of strikes, noting that US and Israeli operations, conducted outside international law, cannot be endorsed by France.
Iran has been targeting Gulf states, Israel, and US facilities, while also threatening regional shipping.
Macron reminded that France is bound by defense agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, countries currently facing retaliatory attacks from Tehran.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reported that France had deployed Rafale fighter jets over the UAE to protect naval and air bases.
In addition to 700 troops with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), France maintains 900 personnel at UAE air, naval, and land bases, equipped with Rafales, Leclerc tanks, and Caesar artillery, with Rafales stationed at Al-Dhafra near Abu Dhabi.
Macron noted that two French bases had suffered “limited strikes causing material damage” since the conflict began, underlining the ongoing risks to French forces in the region.