Paris to deploy warships to Mediterranean and Red Sea

France plans to deploy eight warships, an aircraft carrier strike group and two helicopter carriers to the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz.

President Emmanuel Macron announced the move in Cyprus before visiting the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which arrived in the eastern Mediterranean. Macron also sought to reassure Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides after drones were spotted heading towards the island last week.

He reiterated that the aim of the operation is to maintain a defensive posture, support countries affected by Iran’s attacks and contribute to de-escalating tensions in the region. At the same time, the mission is intended to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security.

The European Union’s main maritime security activities are part of the Aspides mission in the Red Sea, which began in early 2024. The operation aims to protect commercial shipping from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece will seek support from other European countries to strengthen the European Union’s Aspides naval forces amid the conflict with Iran.

The Cypriot president, meanwhile, said the country will not participate in any military operations related to Iran but will focus on humanitarian tasks.

(reuters, max)