France, together with its international partners, is organizing a defensive operation aimed at reopening the critically important Strait of Hormuz, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday. This development comes as the conflict in the Middle East enters its second week, following a series of escalations that have destabilized the region and raised concerns about global energy supplies and trade routes.
President Macron arrived aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which has been deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in response to recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on February 28. These strikes ignited a broader conflict that has not only caused turmoil in the Middle East but also threatens to extend its impact to neighboring regions. The presence of the Charles de Gaulle underscores France’s commitment to maintaining security and stability in this strategically vital area.
During an official visit to Cyprus earlier in the day, Macron outlined the mission’s objectives, emphasizing that the operation will focus on escorting commercial container ships and oil tankers. The goal is to gradually restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides. He highlighted the strait’s significance, noting that it is a crucial artery for international trade and the flow of energy resources, particularly gas and oil, which must be allowed to move freely once again to avoid further economic disruption.
Macron’s announcement came alongside statements from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who joined him in stressing that the mission will be strictly defensive in nature. The coalition will include both European and non-European countries, working together to provide support and protection for maritime traffic in the region. This collaborative approach reflects growing concern among regional and global powers about the security of vital shipping lanes.
In parallel, the European Union declared its readiness to strengthen its naval operations in the Middle East to safeguard maritime commerce. The EU has been actively considering an expansion of its naval presence in the Red Sea, particularly in light of the recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran, which have heightened the risk of wider conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil passes, has seen a near-complete halt in shipping activity since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, underscoring the urgency of international efforts to stabilize the situation.
Macron’s visit to Cyprus also carried symbolic weight, coming shortly after the island nation, an EU member state, was targeted by Iranian-made drone attacks in early March. The French president made it clear that any aggression against Cyprus is tantamount to an attack on Europe as a whole. “When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked,” he stated firmly. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis echoed this sentiment, affirming that no European territory, including Cyprus, will be left vulnerable to such threats.
The drone assault on Cyprus prompted France to deploy the Charles de Gaulle carrier group to the Mediterranean, accompanied by a frigate and air defense units stationed on the island. Paris has consistently maintained that its military posture in the region remains defensive, aimed solely at protecting its interests and those of its allies.
While aboard the Charles de Gaulle, Macron was scheduled to meet with the sailors serving on the carrier strike group, which forms the centerpiece of France’s naval operation. This mission involves the deployment of eight frigates and two amphibious helicopter carriers, covering a vast operational area that includes the eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. The French frigate currently participating in the EU’s “Operation Aspides” in the Red Sea is tasked with preventing attacks on commercial vessels by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, a threat that has persisted since the operation’s launch in 2024.
Looking ahead, Macron pledged that France will continue to support Operation Aspides by contributing two frigates on a long-term basis. The overarching aim of these efforts is to guarantee freedom of navigation and enhance maritime security in a region that is critical to the global economy. Ensuring safe passage for ships is not only vital for energy supplies but also for maintaining the stability of international trade routes.
In addition to his regional engagements, Macron held a phone conversation on Monday morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East, including developments in Lebanon. This dialogue reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis and prevent further escalation.
