France sending aircraft carrier to Mediterranean, Macron says

RiddleMaster · 2026-03-03T22:38:28+00:00

President Macron announced France's deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean to protect maritime traffic amid escalating Middle East tensions. He emphasized the economic impact of the conflict and reaffirmed France's defense commitments to Gulf allies while increasing security for citizens in the region.

RiddleMaster

2026-03-03 22:38:28

Abstract generation in progress

PARIS, March 3 (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said France was sending its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean and ‌working to build a coalition that would help secure maritime traffic imperiled by the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

In a televised address to the nation, Macron said that action needed to be taken with the Straits of Hormuz closed ⁠and the Suez Canal and Red Sea shipping routes threatened by the widening conflict.

The Reuters Iran Briefing newsletter keeps you informed with the latest developments and analysis of the Iran war. Sign up here.

“We have economic interests to protect, because oil prices, gas prices and the international trade situation are being profoundly disrupted by this war.,” Macron said.

He said France had also sent a frigate to Cyprus and had shot down drones in the skies above its Gulf allies.

Rafale jets were among the assets being used .

“We have defense ‌agreements ⁠that bind us to Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The latter are particularly targeted, and we owe them solidarity,” Macron said.

He said France was helping its citizens who wanted to leave the region get ⁠out and that two flights were due to arrive in Paris on Tuesday evening. Security had also been reinforced at some sites in France, he ⁠added.

Macron said Iran itself “bears primary responsibility” for the U.S.-Israeli action, but added: “the United States of America and Israel have decided to ⁠launch military operations; they were conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve.”

Reporting by Makini Brice and Benoit Van Overstraeten; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Ingrid Melander; editing by Richard Lough

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Suggested Topics:
World
Governance

X
Facebook
Linkedin
Email
Link

Purchase Licensing Rights

Makini Brice

Thomson Reuters

Makini Brice is a breaking news correspondent for France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. She has previously reported for Reuters from the United States, Haiti and Senegal.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

1 Likes