Paris, (EFE).- French President Emmanuel Macron called on Tuesday for the formation of a coalition to preserve essential maritime routes blocked during the new escalation in the Middle East, while announcing a reinforcement of France’s military presence in the region.
In a televised address to the nation, Macron warned of the danger posed by the situation created by the United States and Israeli bombings on Iran, which he disapproved of for having been carried out outside of international law. However, he attributed ultimate responsibility to Tehran for its military program and for supporting various militias in the region.
“History never weeps for the executioners of their own people, and none shall be regretted,” Macron stated.
The intervention by the United States and Israel, and Iran’s reaction, caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while “the Suez Canal and the Red Sea are also under tension and threatened,” he said.
In response, Macron affirmed that France is “taking the initiative to gather the necessary resources, including militarizing traffic in these essential maritime routes.”
Deployment of the Charles de Gaulle
To this end, the French President announced the deployment to the Middle East of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, currently participating in maneuvers in the Baltic Sea.
Macron insisted that France must preserve its economic interests and that this conflict threatens to cause disturbances in oil and gas prices.
“Many things remain unstable, but France remains a power that protects its own, a power attached to peace, reliable, predictable, and determined,” he said.
In light of this, Macron assured that France reacted from the very beginning, when its military bases contributed to shooting down drones sent by Iran to its various allied countries, and noted that its bases suffered “limited damage.”
He asserted that French assets were already reinforced with fighters, radars, and anti-aircraft defense systems and will continue to be reinforced in the coming days.
In support of Cyprus, which was impacted by an attack on a British base on the Mediterranean island, he announced the deployment of the frigate ‘Languedoc,’ which will arrive in its territorial waters this same night.
Throughout the day, Macron reportedly maintained contact with the leaders of Cyprus, Lebanon, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the autonomous region of Kurdistan.
Warning to Israel
Macron also warned Israel against a ground operation in Lebanon, which he said would be “a dangerous escalation and a strategic mistake.” However, he stated that Hezbollah had committed “a great mistake” by attacking Israel first and endangering the Lebanese people.
“Reports suggest Israel is deciding on a ground operation; this would be a dangerous escalation and a strategic mistake,” he said, urging Israel to “respect Lebanese territory and its integrity.”
“France supports the Lebanese authorities in their brave efforts to regain control of their security,” Macron emphasized.
Repatriations and Security Reinforcement
The French president also addressed the situation of the nearly 400,000 French citizens who reside in the region or have been stranded in transit due to the military escalation. “We are organizing their repatriation in an orderly manner,” he assured.
In fact, he announced that two flights evacuating French citizens from the Middle East would arrive in Paris on Tuesday night.
Furthermore, he announced measures to reinforce security within France.
“At my request, the government has increased the Sentinelle military protection operation and surveillance around vulnerable places and people,” he said, referring to the military patrols on French soil. EFE
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