Middle East Crisis Reactions

Macron: Attack on Cyprus is an attack on Europe

An Iranian attack on Cyprus is seen as an attack on all of Europe. This is what French President Emmanuel Macron says, who is in Cyprus for talks with President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The security situation in the Mediterranean has come into focus since the war broke out. Last week, a British base in Cyprus was hit by an Iranian drone.

The defense of Cyprus is a key issue for both France and the entire EU, says the French president.

Because of the war, France is sending two frigates to the Red Sea, as part of a larger EU mission.
 

France wants “defensive” mission to open Hormuz

Emmanuel Macron wants to launch a joint maritime mission to escort container ships in an attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once the initial phases of the war have calmed down. Bloomberg reports.

France plans to launch a “purely defensive” mission with both European and non-European nations to “escort container ships and tankers.” Macron said this during his visit to Cyprus on Monday.

The French president also said the idea is to “gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz” after the “hottest phase” of the conflict.