04.03.2026 06:50
French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the French Navy's flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move to the Mediterranean in response to rising tensions in the Middle East. He stated that the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran are illegal under international law.
French President Emmanuel Macron assessed the escalating military tensions in the Middle East during his address to the nation. Macron announced that he ordered the French Navy's flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move towards the Mediterranean due to the uncertainty in the region following the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and Iran's retaliations.
In his speech, Macron stated, "In the face of this unstable situation and the uncertainty of the coming days, I have ordered the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, air assets, and the accompanying frigate to set sail towards the Mediterranean." He emphasized that France would continue to be a force advocating for peace and stability in the region, and that his country would act as a reliable and determined actor protecting its people.
"THE MAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WAR IS IRAN"
Macron claimed that the war in the Middle East has once again affected a wide geography, asserting that Iran is the main responsible party for the conflicts that began with the attacks by the US and Israel. He alleged that Iran is conducting a dangerous nuclear program, developing advanced ballistic missile capabilities, and supporting various armed groups in the region.
Macron criticized the Tehran administration harshly, claiming that Iran is arming groups such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq, and supporting Hamas. However, he stated that they could not endorse the military operations carried out by the US and Israel against Iran, as these attacks were conducted outside the boundaries of international law.
FRENCH BASES TARGETED IN IRANIAN ATTACKS
Macron revealed that during Iran's retaliations against US and Israeli attacks, two French bases in the region were also targeted by limited strikes. He stated that France has shot down Iranian drones as part of legitimate defense from the first hours of the war and that Rafale fighter jets are conducting air defense operations for the security of French bases. Macron also announced that efforts are ongoing to evacuate French citizens in countries affected by the conflicts, stating that two evacuation planes would arrive in Paris in the coming hours.
"A GROUND OPERATION IN LEBANON WOULD BE A STRATEGIC MISTAKE"
In his speech, Macron also addressed Israel's possible plans for a ground operation in Lebanon. He noted that such a step would lead to a dangerous escalation in the region, deeming it a strategic mistake. Macron called for Hezbollah to cease its attacks and emphasized that Israel should also respect Lebanon's territorial integrity.
DECISION FOR ADDITIONAL MILITARY SUPPORT TO THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
Macron stated that the Greek Cypriot Administration, which is a member of the European Union and has a strategic partnership agreement with France, has also been attacked in recent days, and therefore, they have decided to send support to the region. He announced that the French frigate Languedoc would be sent to the Greek Cypriot Administration along with additional air defense assets. Furthermore, Macron expressed their desire to establish an international coalition, including military assets, to ensure the security of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global energy flows.