By Micah Jonah, March 4, 2026
France has announced the deployment of its flagship aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean Sea as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.
President Emmanuel Macron disclosed in a televised address that the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle would be sent to the region as part of efforts to safeguard maritime traffic threatened by the widening conflict.
Macron said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, threats to shipping routes through the Suez Canal and Red Sea had created serious economic and security concerns.
“We have economic interests to protect because oil prices, gas prices and international trade are being profoundly disrupted by this war,” he said.
The French leader added that Paris is working to build a coalition aimed at securing critical sea lanes. France has also dispatched a frigate to Cyprus and confirmed that it has intercepted drones in the skies above Gulf allies.
Rafale fighter jets are among the military assets currently being deployed to support operations.
Macron stressed that France has defence agreements with Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, countries he described as being particularly targeted amid the ongoing hostilities.
“We owe them solidarity,” he stated.
The President also revealed that France is assisting its nationals who wish to leave the region, with two evacuation flights expected to land in Paris. Security measures have equally been reinforced at certain locations across France as a precaution.
While placing primary responsibility for the crisis on Iran, Macron criticized the United States and Israel for launching military operations outside international law, saying France could not approve such actions.
The latest move underscores Europe’s growing involvement as global powers respond to rising instability in the Middle East, with energy markets, international trade already feeling the impact.
