Macron orders Charles de Gaulle carrier to Mediterranean amid regional tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the redeployment of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean following the exchange of strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran.

In a televised address, Macron stated that the vessel will conduct operational missions accompanied by its frigates and air wing. He confirmed the deployment of Rafale fighter jets, air defense systems, and airborne early warning radar systems to West Asia, noting that these military measures would remain in place for as long as deemed necessary.

France, the United Kingdom, and Germany had previously announced that while they were not directly involved in the strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran, they stood ready to implement defensive measures against Iranian missile and drone capabilities.

Macron stated that French forces had intercepted several drones during the initial stages of the conflict in self-defense, asserting that the action was taken to protect allied airspace, though he provided no specific details regarding the operation.

While announcing the decision to redeploy the aircraft carrier, Macron also addressed the attack on the British airbase in the Republic of Cyprus.

Reminding that the Republic of Cyprus is an EU member and has recently signed a strategic partnership agreement with France, Macron noted that France maintains defense agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, and continues to uphold security commitments to Jordan and Iraq.

Highlighting that the conflict has spilled over into Lebanon, Macron stated that Hezbollah committed a “serious mistake” by attacking Israel, thereby endangering the Lebanese people.

Furthermore, Macron warned Israel against launching a ground operation into Lebanese territory, characterizing such a move as “a dangerous escalation and a strategic error.”

While calling on Hezbollah to cease its attacks, Macron simultaneously demanded that Israel respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

One day prior, President Macron announced that France would expand its nuclear arsenal as part of a new doctrine aimed at strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Under this framework, it was stated that, for the first time, the temporary deployment of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons to allied countries would be permitted.

Speaking at the L’Ile Longue military base on France’s Atlantic coast—which hosts ballistic missile submarines—Macron addressed defense policies, declaring: “To be free, one must be a feared nation.”