Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced a major expansion of France’s naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea, describing the move as a defensive response to the ongoing tensions in the region involving Iran.
The announcement was made during Macron’s visit to Cyprus, where he held talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Under the new deployment plan, France will send eight frigates, two amphibious helicopter carriers, and its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, to the region.
The expanded presence, comprising roughly a dozen naval vessels including the carrier strike group, is intended to support allied nations affected by Iranian retaliatory actions and to secure critical maritime routes.
“Our objective is to maintain a strictly defensive posture,” Macron said while in Cyprus. “We stand alongside countries targeted by Iran’s retaliation, ensuring our credibility while contributing to efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.”
Macron made the remarks shortly before boarding the Charles de Gaulle to address French troops stationed aboard the vessel.
The decision comes amid rising tensions across the Middle East following reports of drone attacks believed to be manufactured by Iran targeting Cyprus, a member of the European Union, last week. In response, France diverted the Charles de Gaulle from its previous route in the Baltic Sea and deployed additional military resources, including the frigate French frigate Languedoc and air defence systems, to reinforce the island’s security.
Macron stressed that any attack on Cyprus should be regarded as an attack on Europe, reaffirming France’s commitment to regional stability and collective security.
He also outlined plans to help maintain freedom of navigation in key waterways, particularly in the Red Sea, through the European Union’s EU Aspides mission.
France currently contributes naval assets to the operation and intends to increase its involvement by deploying two frigates.
Looking ahead, Macron said France is coordinating with European and international partners to establish what he described as a “purely defensive escort mission” that would enable commercial ships to safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides.
“We are not participating in the conflict itself,” Macron told French troops aboard the Charles de Gaulle, which recently arrived in the eastern Mediterranean. “Your presence demonstrates France’s role as a power committed to balance and peace alongside its partners.”
France sends warships to Middle East as Macron responds to Iran tensions
