On 9/3, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would deploy 8 frigates and two helicopter carriers to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz "within 48 hours". This force will augment the nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean, as well as a frigate and air defense systems on Cyprus.

"This is an unprecedented mobilization of the French navy," President Macron stated during a press conference at a military base in Cyprus.

After boarding the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, Macron explained that the French navy is being deployed to protect approximately 400,000 French citizens in the region, counter attacks against Paris's allies, and potentially escort vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Malmo, Sweden on 26/2. Photo: AFP.

On 3/3, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and warned it would attack vessels transiting this vital maritime route.

In recent days, the French president has been working to organize an international escort force to ensure the Strait of Hormuz reopens for oil tankers and container ships. According to Macron, several European nations are ready to join France, alongside India and other Asian countries.

The French president revealed he had discussed the proposal with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, on 8/3. "This is not an offensive mission, but one of escort and support," he stated.

The New York Times reported that the United Kingdom and France have assisted Middle Eastern nations in shooting down Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The upcoming deployment of French warships will provide further support for this effort. President Macron believes the intense phase of the Middle East conflict will last for "a few days, possibly a few weeks".

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian.

The Middle East has been embroiled in conflict since the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on 28/2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by launching missiles and suicide drones at Israel and US bases in Arab countries across the region.

European officials allege that Iranian missiles and UAVs also targeted Turkey and British bases in Cyprus, raising the risk of the continent being drawn into the conflict. Iran has repeatedly stated it does not seek war with regional countries and does not directly target Turkey, while UAVs aimed at Cyprus reportedly originated from Lebanese territory.