France Deploying Aircraft Carrier to the Mediterranean Sea

Darwin, 04 March: 

France is directly entering the Iran–Israel–United States conflict for the first time. President Emmanuel Macron has announced that he has ordered France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to be deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.

The development was reported Wednesday by Associated Press (AP).

According to the report, Macron made the announcement in a national address on Tuesday local time, focusing on the escalating situation in the Middle East.

In his speech, Macron stated that on Monday, March 2, missiles and drones launched from Iran struck a British military base in Cyprus, a Mediterranean country. Since Cyprus is a member of the European Union (EU), France decided to deploy its aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in line with EU commitments to ensure Cyprus’ security.

“Facing this unstable situation and the uncertainty of the days ahead, I have ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its air wing, and its frigate escorts to set sail for the Mediterranean,” Macron said.

The Charles de Gaulle has already departed from the Baltic Sea and is expected to reach the Mediterranean by Wednesday evening.

President Macron further noted that France has security agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates. France also maintains strong security commitments with Jordan and Iraq. He emphasized that France would remain responsible to these agreements and commitments amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

“From our position, we will continue to make every possible effort,” the French president said in his address.