Emmanuel Macron confirmed in his televised speech France's involvement in "strictly defensive" actions in the Middle East and announced the dispatch of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean, currently engaged in maneuvers in the North Atlantic. The French president also mentioned the arrival of the frigate Languedoc and anti-aircraft defense systems to Cyprus to counter possible new attacks on the British airbase in Akrotiri.
"War has returned to the Middle East and is spreading throughout the region," Macron warned, pointing to Iran as "the main culprit of the situation" while accusing the US and Israel of attacking the country "outside of international law".
"With Germany and the United Kingdom, we have clearly stated that an immediate cessation of attacks is desirable and that lasting peace in the region will only be achieved through the resumption of diplomatic negotiations," emphasized the French president, who accused the Iranian regime of "continuing its nuclear program, significantly supporting Hamas, and firing on its own people".
Macron justified the dispatch of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle citing the impact of the conflict on international trade. "The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil and natural gas passes, is currently closed," Macron warned. "The Suez Canal and the Red Sea are also under pressure and threatened."
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on the other hand, announced the sending of a warship, the HMS Dragon, which has missile defense capabilities, and anti-drone measures to protect its bases in Cyprus, as reported by Pablo Pardo.
Macron also announced the promotion of "a coalition to pool resources, including military capabilities, to resume traffic on these maritime routes," essential for the global economy. Macron also confirmed Iranian attacks on two French military bases in the United Arab Emirates and the deployment of Rafale fighters to ensure the security of the airspace.
Al Salam base, near Abu Dhabi, one of the three French military installations in the United Arab Emirates, was one of the first Iranian targets. The drone attack caused a fire in several containers and partially destroyed a hangar, although no casualties were reported.
French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, stated hours earlier that the "priority is to ensure the safety of our citizens," estimating 400,000 French citizens living in Gulf countries. "We are preparing charter flights to evacuate the most vulnerable individuals, although we are also advising our citizens to leave the countries on regular flights whenever possible," warned the French minister.
Greece also confirmed the dispatch of four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates equipped with the Centauro drone interference system to Cyprus. Greek Defense Minister, Nikos Dendias, will visit the island on Tuesday and convey Athens' readiness to "address threats and illegal actions against its territory."
Meanwhile, the European Union will debate whether to activate the defense clause due to the attack on one of its member states. Although the Akrotiri base is considered British overseas territory, two unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted in its vicinity. The UK has announced the sending of a next-generation frigate to protect the base.