Macron Highlights French Military Support for Cyprus Amid Tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasised France’s military support for Cyprus during a visit to the island, as tensions in the eastern Mediterranean rise following attacks linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

During the trip, Macron met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Paphos and stressed that Cyprus could «count on France» for support. In a video shared on social media, the French leader appeared alongside military personnel and equipment, including France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, while praising the strength of French forces.

Macron said that «an attack on Cyprus is an attack on all of Europe,» highlighting France’s commitment to regional security and the protection of European interests. Paris has deployed naval assets and air defence units to the eastern Mediterranean as part of efforts to reinforce security around the island.

The visit comes after drone attacks targeting the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, where British forces are stationed. The UK has been working to strengthen its military presence in the region, including preparing the destroyer HMS Dragon to deploy and diverting the attack submarine HMS Anson toward the Middle East.

France has said its actions in the region are strictly defensive and aimed at safeguarding maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor that has been threatened during the conflict.

Cypriot officials welcomed Macron’s visit, thanking France for what they described as consistent support during a period of growing regional uncertainty.

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