PARIS (dpa-AFX) – France is moving its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle” towards the Mediterranean in view of the Iran war. President Emmanuel Macron announced this in a televised speech. With regard to the conflict, he spoke of an “unstable situation”. The Strait of Hormuz, which is important for trade, is virtually closed, and the situation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is tense. Rafale fighter jets, air defense systems and radar systems have also been brought to the region.
Macron emphasized that France stands with its allies such as Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. To protect their airspace, several drones have been shot down since the beginning of the conflict. The security of the French military bases in the region, two of which suffered material damage in attacks, has also been increased, said Macron. According to him, two first repatriation flights with French people stranded in the area should arrive in Paris that evening.
Macron pointed out that, in his opinion, Iran bears the main responsibility for the current situation. But he also said about the attacks by the USA and Israel: “They were carried out outside international law, which we cannot condone.”/rbo/DP/jha
