French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday evening that France is sending an aircraft carrier group to the Mediterranean in response to the widening Middle East conflict following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
In a televised address, Macron confirmed that the Charles de Gaulle, along with its air assets and escort frigates, will head to the Mediterranean.
Additional French air defence forces and the frigate Languedoc are being deployed to Cyprus after a drone attack targeted the British air base at Akrotiri.
“The United States of America and Israel decided to launch military operations, conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve of,” Macron said.
He also stressed that Iran bears “primary responsibility” due to its nuclear program, support for regional proxies, and violent suppression of domestic protests earlier this year.
Macron noted that French forces had already shot down Iranian drones in self-defence during the initial hours of the conflict, protecting allies in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
The deployment reflects France’s growing involvement in the region to safeguard its interests and those of its allies amid escalating tensions following the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes.
The situation has raised concerns over regional stability, prompting European powers to monitor developments closely while preparing contingency measures for their citizens in affected areas.
The French president warned of the risk of the conflict spreading beyond the Middle East and reaffirmed France’s commitment to defend its allies while urging restraint from all parties.
France’s rapid military mobilization underscores the intensifying geopolitical tensions as Iran continues to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli actions across the region.
