PARIS (AP) — The French government is stepping up the country’s military presence in the Middle East, sending aircraft carriers and other warships, while President Emmanuel Macron reaches out to key players in the conflict, including Iran, to prepare for future diplomatic talks in Paris.
Macron said France’s military intervention was entirely “defensive” and aimed at preventing the country from becoming a party to war. He reiterated that stance on Thursday after a French soldier was killed in a drone strike in Iraq.
“We are not at war with anyone,” Macron said.
Still, the massive French naval deployment – which he called “unprecedented” – makes France the European country with the most visible presence in the region.
Macron visited the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier last week and said its presence in the Mediterranean demonstrated “the power of France: the power of balance, the power of peace.”
Here’s what to know about Macron’s strategy.
France’s massive naval deployment
Macron announced the deployment of eight warships, two helicopter carriers and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle carrying 20 Rafale fighter jets to the eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East.
The French frigate Languedoc has arrived near EU member Cyprus to bolster anti-drone and anti-missile defenses. Cyprus and France signed a new strategic partnership in December. Macron also said that two French frigates have been sent to the Red Sea to help ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation.
Macron said the deployment of warships was intended to allow France to “respond to emergencies” and evacuate French nationals if necessary.
France has more than 400,000 citizens in the Middle East, more than any other European country, more than half of whom are in Israel and more than 60,000 in the United Arab Emirates.
Other European countries, including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Greece, have deployed frigates in the region.
The French navy’s rapid deployment contrasts with Britain’s delay in dispatching the destroyer HMS Dragon, which left Portsmouth, England, on March 10.
British opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government of moving too slowly to protect Britain’s bases in Cyprus and allies in the Middle East.
The British government has also sent Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets, helicopters and air defense systems to help intercept Iranian missiles and drones and protect British forces in the region, particularly in Cyprus and Qatar, as well as the country’s partners in the Middle East.
Defend Gulf Allies
France has signed important defense agreements with several countries in the region, including Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and has a permanent base in Abu Dhabi. The French military deployed its air force and navy there and doubled the number of Rafale fighter jets stationed at the site to 12.
French authorities admit that Rafale fighter jets have intercepted drones targeting the UAE since the war began.
“We stand with our allies and friends,” Macron said during a visit to Charles de Gaulle airport. “A number of interceptions have continued to occur in recent days.”
“We are doing this within the framework of our partnership,” he said, without providing further details.
French troops are also deployed in Jordan and Iraq.
A French soldier was killed and several others injured in a drone strike in the Erbil region of northern Iraq on Thursday. They are training Iraqi forces as part of a multinational counterterrorism mission in the country.
Former President Francois Hollande, who led France from 2012 to 2017, said France must demonstrate its ability to protect its own citizens and reassure partners, but he also warned of the risks.
“We have to be careful – and this is always a dangerous operation – to make sure that our warships are not targeted,” Hollande said. “Because if they are attacked, we have to fight back.”
Historical connections with Lebanon
Macron is leading a diplomatic effort to try to stem the conflict in Lebanon. The conflict in Lebanon has killed at least 850 people and displaced hundreds of thousands as the Hezbollah militant group launches a new round of fighting with Israel. Macron urged Hezbollah to stop fighting and called on Israel to abandon any ground offensive.
Macron said France supports the Lebanese military and the authorities have pledged to “control” Hezbollah positions and assume full responsibility for the country’s security. Hezbollah’s arsenal includes, among other things, explosive drones similar to those used by Iran.
France has traditionally been a major supporter of the former French protectorate of Lebanon and has 800 troops in the United Nations peacekeeping force in the country. The French government provided the country with armored vehicles and combat military support.
France sent 60 tons of emergency aid to Lebanon on a humanitarian flight to Beirut last week, authorities said. The shipment includes medicines, medical equipment, mobile medical teams, housing materials, basic necessities and infant formula.
Keep in touch with Iran
Macron is the first Western leader to speak to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the war began.
He said he urged Iran to stop its attacks on countries in the region. The call has gone unanswered since the call was made on March 8.
Macron stressed that a “diplomatic solution” was needed to end the escalation and said he and Pezeshkian agreed to stay in touch.
Macron also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, although there were no signs of easing.
France hopes diplomatic efforts will bear fruit once the worst of the conflict subsides, which could take weeks or months.
Macron also pushed for international efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor, so that oil, gas and goods can flow freely again “when circumstances permit.” He suggested that once the fighting eases, countries could use warships to escort oil tankers and container ships.
Political analyst Bertrand Bady, a professor of international relations at Sciences Po in Paris, said Macron has long sought to safeguard France’s role on the global stage.
Badi said Macron may have the most to gain among European leaders through diplomacy, with domestic support low and about a year left in his term.
“At this moment, we are forced to significantly lower our expectations,” he said. “What influence does France have from a diplomatic perspective?”
“My assessment is that France’s remedies will not solve this crisis,” Badi said. “There is no point in having any illusions.”
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Jill Lawless contributed to this report from London.