Overview
- Emmanuel Macron visited Cyprus, met the Cypriot and Greek leaders, and said an attack on Cyprus is an attack on Europe following Iranian‑made drone strikes.
- France has positioned the Charles de Gaulle off Crete and is deploying about a dozen vessels across the region, including eight warships and two helicopter carriers, under a strictly defensive posture.
- Macron said France and partners are preparing a multinational escort mission to protect container ships and tankers and to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz once the hottest phase of fighting subsides.
- The European Union signaled readiness to enhance maritime security efforts, with one French frigate already in Operation Aspides and France pledging two frigates for longer‑term support.
- Shipping through Hormuz has largely halted in the current conflict, driving oil prices above $100 a barrel and disrupting global trade and aviation routes.