On Tuesday, French President Macron ordered the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to sail from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea to assist in protecting Allied military assets in the Middle East due to intensified Iranian attacks on neighboring countries.
Macron stated that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will be escorted by frigates and carrier-based aircraft. In a pre-recorded speech on French television, Macron added that in the past few hours, France has deployed Rafale fighter jets, air defense systems, and airborne radar systems in the Middle East.
“We will continue to advance this work as needed,” Macron said.
France, the UK, and Germany had previously stated that they did not participate in the airstrikes on Iran launched by the US and Israel last week, but were prepared to take defensive action to destroy Iranian missiles and drones.
Macron mentioned that the French military shot down drones in the initial hours of the conflict for “legitimate self-defense,” to defend the airspace of their allies who know they can rely on France. However, he did not provide detailed information.
Explaining the need to mobilize the French aircraft carrier, Macron referred to the Iranian airstrike on a British air force base in Cyprus on Monday. He added that Cyprus is an EU member state, and France recently signed a strategic partnership agreement with the EU.
“This requires our support,” Macron stated.
Macron also announced that France has signed binding defense agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, and has made firm commitments to Jordan and Iraq.
“I also express my hope that the Iranian people can freely determine their own destiny,” Macron added.
“Nevertheless, history will never shed tears for the butchers, nor will anyone mourn for them,” referring to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.
While Macron does not endorse the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, he also emphasizes that Iran bears responsibility for this conflict.
“It is Iran that has developed dangerous nuclear plans and unprecedented ballistic missile capabilities; armed and funded terrorist groups in neighboring countries such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, Shia militias in Iraq, supported Hamas, and consistently adhered to its goal of destroying the state of Israel,” he said.
(Some parts of this article were adapted from reports by the Associated Press)