Middle East: Emmanuel Macron announces boost to French military presence

In a televised address on Tuesday 3 March President Emmanuel Macron spoke about the serious deterioration of the situation in the Middle East amid clashes involving Iran, Israel and the United States. 

The head of state said the current crisis threatens regional stability and could have direct consequences for global security and French interests.

To respond to the situation France has decided to strengthen its military presence in the region. The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is to be deployed in the Mediterranean supported by additional naval and air assets. 

The aim is in particular to protect strategic maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal which are vital for global trade and energy supply.

France is also reinforcing its security support for several Gulf partners and reaffirming its commitment to defend its own interests and those of its allies.

While highlighting the risks posed by Iran’s nuclear programme and military capabilities Macron urged avoiding an expansion of the conflict and prioritising a diplomatic solution. He stressed that French action is above all aimed at preserving international peace and stability.

The president also announced measures to protect French nationals in the region including evacuation operations. Following the Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes against certain Gulf monarchies and Israel several countries have closed their airspace complicating travel across the region. 

In this context a first repatriation flight carrying French citizens blocked in the Middle East since the start of the conflict arrived in France on 4 March from Oman. The aircraft carried airline staff and clients as well as many families young children pregnant women and a group of young people on a summer camp. Almost all passengers had initially been in Dubai.