France to Deploy More Warships, Warns "Attack on Cyprus Is an Attack on Europe"

Macron: "This Naval Mobilization Is Unprecedented"

Iranian Drone Strikes British Base

Ten More Warships Deployed to the Mediterranean and Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron is holding a press conference in Cyprus on the 9th (local time). Photo by AP

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on the 9th (local time) that France will deploy an additional 10 warships to the Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. These are areas where the passage of oil tankers has been effectively prohibited due to the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to The New York Times, President Macron stated at a press conference in Cyprus with allied nations on the same day, "This naval mobilization is unprecedented." Two warships, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, have already been deployed in the Mediterranean.

He further warned, "If Cyprus is attacked, it is tantamount to Europe being attacked." This strong message came after a recent incident in which an Iranian drone attacked the British Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base located in Cyprus.

Since the outbreak of the war, France has been one of the countries actively providing rear support. After the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, European Union (EU) member states have focused on cooperating in joint defense rather than direct involvement in the conflict. Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands have also joined in by dispatching naval forces to Cyprus.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the Iranian official currently overseeing operations against the United States, suggested on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after President Macron's remarks that the blockade would continue, stating, "It will be difficult to ensure any security in the Strait of Hormuz."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.