Rabat – While denouncing the illegality of the US-Israeli-led strikes on Iran, France’s Emmanuel Macron has pledged to deploy forces in solidarity with its allies in the face of widening tensions in the Middle East.
The French president announced that France is sending the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, along with its air assets and escort frigates, to the Mediterranean in response to the escalating conflict.
The move comes after US and Israeli strikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and prompted Iranian attacks on American allies in the region, including drone strikes on a British air base in Cyprus.
“The United States of America and Israel decided to launch military operations, conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve of,” Macron said.
He also held the Islamic Republic of Iran chiefly responsible for the deepening escalation of the war, pointing to its “dangerous” nuclear program, support for regional proxies, and orders to fire on its own citizens during January protests.
He added that France acted in self-defense in the early hours of the conflict, shooting down drones to protect the airspace of allies such as Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
