Macron: Will Send Warships to the Strait of Hormuz for "Escort"

[Global Times Special Correspondent Yiven] On the 9th local time, French President Macron arrived in Cyprus for a trilateral meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Christodoulides. Macron stated that France will maintain its military presence in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, including the deployment of aircraft carriers and several warships, with the potential deployment area possibly extending to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure regional shipping security and European interests. According to AFP, Macron's visit aims to demonstrate France's support for Cyprus in light of recent Iranian drone attacks and to strengthen European security deployments in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Reports indicate that on the 9th local time, after meeting with Christodoulides and Mitsotakis, Macron stated: "The attack on Cyprus is an attack on Europe." Macron said: "Our position is to strictly maintain a defensive posture and stand with all countries that have been attacked in Iran's retaliatory actions to uphold our credibility and promote de-escalation in the region. Our ultimate goal is to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security." On the same day, Macron inspected the French Navy's aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle by helicopter. Earlier that day, Macron stated on social media that the Charles de Gaulle and its carrier strike group had arrived in the waters near Cyprus.

Macron announced that two warships would be dispatched to participate in Operation Aspide (EU Red Sea escort operation). France will deploy eight warships, a carrier strike group, and two amphibious assault ships to the region. Macron stated that the deployment area could ultimately cover the Strait of Hormuz to provide escort for merchant ships. "We are forming a purely defensive, purely escort mission force that must be prepared in collaboration with both European and non-European countries, with the goal of providing escort for container ships and oil tankers as soon as possible after the most intense phase of conflict ends, gradually reopening the Strait of Hormuz," Macron said.

On the 9th, Macron also expressed concern about the current situation in Lebanon, calling for Hezbollah and Israel to cease armed attacks. Macron stated that Hezbollah must stop launching attacks from within Lebanon, as it endangers the safety of the Lebanese people; Israel must also quickly cease its military actions against Lebanon to restore Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.