Macron Sends Charles de Gaulle Carrier to Mediterranean Amid Iran Conflict

France Deploys Aircraft Carrier to Mediterranean Amid Escalating Iran Conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced the deployment of France’s aircraft carrier strike group to the Mediterranean, as tensions mount following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. In a televised address, Macron said he had ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, along with its air wing and accompanying frigates, to reposition to the region.

“I have ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its air assets, and its escort of frigates to set course for the Mediterranean,” Macron said, a day after warning that the conflict risked spilling beyond the Middle East into Europe’s neighbourhood.

France is also reinforcing its air defence posture in the eastern Mediterranean. Macron confirmed additional air defence systems would be sent to Cyprus after Iranian-made drones struck the British air base at Akrotiri. He added that the French frigate Languedoc would arrive off the Cypriot coast later in the day.

The escalation follows weekend strikes by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Tehran has since launched retaliatory actions targeting US allies across the region. While criticising Washington and Tel Aviv, Macron struck a nuanced tone. “The United States of America and Israel decided to launch military operations, conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve of,” he said.

However, he added that “the Islamic Republic of Iran bears primary responsibility for this situation,” citing Tehran’s nuclear programme, its support for regional proxy groups, and its handling of domestic protests earlier this year.

Macron also revealed that French forces had already intercepted drones in the early hours of the conflict. “We reacted immediately and shot down drones in self-defence to protect the airspace of our allies,” he said, referring to France’s defence commitments with Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

The deployment signals France’s intent to bolster its regional presence as the conflict threatens wider instability.