Macron: When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Republic of Cyprus (ROC), which has been the target of Iranian attacks. Macron spoke at a joint press conference following a trilateral summit held at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos with ROC leader Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Macron stated, "When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked. The defense of Cyprus is a fundamental issue for France and, along with it, the European Union."

Recalling the steps France has taken following Iran's attacks on the ROC, Macron noted that France has deployed a Mistral air defense unit and the frigate Languedoc to the island, and that the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group has also been positioned near the island.

Macron stated that the purpose of his visit was to demonstrate full solidarity, coordinate evacuations, and provide reassurance to partners. Pointing to defense agreements made with countries in the Gulf and the region, Macron said, "We want to stand with all countries that have been attacked in this retaliation with a purely defensive stance and contribute to the de-escalation of regional tensions."

Strait of Hormuz plan

Addressing Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Macron said, "France is planning a 'purely defensive' operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz." Stating that countries from both within and outside Europe would participate in the operation, Macron noted that the mission aims to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz through escorts provided to ships and tankers.

Emphasizing that the mission is "peaceful, defensive, and escort-oriented," Macron stated that it is critical for international trade and the flow of gas and oil. Regarding maritime security, Macron said that the EU needs to strengthen Operation Aspides in the Red Sea, along the line stretching from Suez to Bab al-Mandab. He noted that the headquarters for Operation Aspides is in Greece and that current coordination is being carried out by Greece, announcing that France will allocate "two frigates in the long term" to this operation.

Macron stated that France will deploy 8 frigates, 2 amphibious helicopter carriers, and an aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and off the Strait of Hormuz, adding, "This mobilization of our navy is unprecedented."

Addressing the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, Macron suggested that Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and its targeting of the RoC triggered Israel's military response, stating, "Hezbollah must stop all its attacks from Lebanese territory, and Israel must also stop its operations and attacks in Lebanon as soon as possible."