President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and allied partners are assembling a defensive maritime mission to escort vessels and gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the most intense phase of the regional conflict subsides. The carrier Charles de Gaulle has been deployed to the Mediterranean following strikes that escalated tensions, and France is coordinating with EU partners to strengthen maritime security. Macron emphasized the mission is defensive, critical for oil and gas flows, and that a sustained presence may be necessary as the situation evolves.
France, Allies Mobilize Defensive Mission To Gradually Reopen Strait Of Hormuz
French President Emmanuel Macron was in Cyprus on Monday to discuss regional security (Gonzalo Fuentes)(Gonzalo Fuentes/POOL/AFP)
President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that France, alongside allied partners, is preparing a defensive maritime mission to escort commercial ships and gradually reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the Middle East conflict subsides.
Macron landed by helicopter on the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which France sent to the Mediterranean after strikes on Iran on February 28 sparked broader regional instability. He made the announcement during a visit to Cyprus, where he met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss regional security.
Mission Purpose and Scope
Macron said the operation will be "purely defensive, purely support," focused on escorting container ships and oil tankers to restore safe passage through the strait "after the end of the hottest phase of the conflict." He emphasized the mission's economic importance: ensuring freedom of navigation so that gas and oil flows from the Gulf can resume.
European And International Coordination
The European Union said it is ready to "enhance" existing operations to protect maritime traffic in the Middle East and has been discussing how to bolster its naval presence in the Red Sea. France is already participating in the EU's Operation Aspides — launched in 2024 to protect commercial shipping from attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces — and has pledged additional frigates in the longer term.
Recent Developments And Deployments
The Charles de Gaulle and accompanying forces were deployed to the Mediterranean following drone strikes on Cyprus that France attributed to Iranian-made systems. Macron warned that an attack on Cyprus would be seen as an attack on Europe, saying:
"When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked."
Macron said the carrier could ultimately be assigned to operations around the Strait of Hormuz. He underlined that France's posture is defensive and that Paris is preparing for a sustained presence in the region.
Outlook
Addressing reporters aboard the carrier, Macron warned that the trajectory and duration of the conflict will depend on the objectives of the involved parties. He cautioned that significant political change in Iran is unlikely to be achieved solely by bombing and said France is positioning itself "to last" through what he described as an "intense phase" that could last days or weeks. The French presidency also said Macron spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation in the region.
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