French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a televised address that France has ordered its flagship aircraft carrier **Charles de Gaulle** to move toward the Mediterranean as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Macron warned that the rapidly deteriorating security situation poses serious risks for regional stability and stressed that the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran were carried out outside the framework of international law.

Order for Aircraft Carrier Deployment to the Mediterranean

Emmanuel Macron said the growing military activity in the region could directly affect France and its security interests. For this reason, French naval forces have been placed on heightened readiness. The **Charles de Gaulle** aircraft carrier, accompanied by fighter jets and escort frigates, will head toward the Mediterranean.

In light of the instability in the Middle East and the uncertainty of the coming days, I have ordered the aircraft carrier strike group to move toward the Mediterranean.
Emmanuel Macron

Macron emphasized that France intends to remain a force for stability in the region and will continue to act as a reliable and determined actor in protecting its national interests and citizens.

Criticism of U.S. and Israeli Strikes

During his address, Emmanuel Macron stated that the conflict in the Middle East risks expanding across a wider region. He said the military operations carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran raise serious legal concerns under international law.

The military operations carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran fall outside the limits of international law, and France cannot endorse these actions.
Emmanuel Macron

At the same time, Macron noted that European countries remain deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear program and its growing ballistic missile capabilities. According to Macron, these developments contribute to instability across the region.

French Bases Targeted During Iranian Retaliation

Emmanuel Macron also revealed that two French military bases in the region were subjected to limited attacks during Iran’s retaliatory strikes following the U.S. and Israeli operations.

From the first hours of the conflict, France acted in legitimate self-defense and intercepted Iranian drones threatening our forces.
Emmanuel Macron

Macron said **Rafale** fighter jets were deployed to conduct air defense operations to protect French facilities and personnel. He also confirmed that evacuation operations are underway for French citizens in affected countries and that two evacuation aircraft are expected to arrive in Paris.

Warning Against Possible Israeli Ground Operation in Lebanon

In his speech, Emmanuel Macron also addressed reports about a potential Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon. He warned that such a move could trigger a dangerous escalation across the region.

A large-scale ground operation in Lebanon would risk a dangerous escalation and would represent a strategic mistake.
Emmanuel Macron

Macron called on Hezbollah to halt its attacks while also urging Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Additional Military Support for Southern Cyprus

Emmanuel Macron stated that the Greek Cypriot administration, a member of the European Union and a strategic partner of France, had also been targeted by recent attacks. Paris has therefore decided to reinforce its support for the region.

France will continue to provide the necessary military and defensive support to ensure the security of our partners in the region.
Emmanuel Macron

As part of these measures, the French frigate **Languedoc** will be deployed to Southern Cyprus along with additional air defense assets. Macron also called for the creation of an international coalition to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in the **Strait of Hormuz**, a vital corridor for global energy flows.