President Emmanuel Macron visits Cyprus to reinforce security after Iranian drone strikes, deploying warships and urging regional de-escalation.
PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron will visit Cyprus on Monday to demonstrate solidarity following drone attacks on the island nation.
The French leader will meet Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Paphos. The Elysee Palace stated the trip aims to detail moves to “strengthen security around Cyprus and in the eastern Mediterranean”.
This visit coincides with the second week of a wider regional conflict pitting the US and Israel against Iran. Cyprus was targeted last week by Iranian-made drones, prompting a French military deployment.
Macron has ordered the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean. A frigate and air defence units have also been sent to Cyprus.
The French president later spoke with his US and Iranian counterparts ahead of the trip. He became the first Western leader to contact Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the war’s outbreak.
On social media platform X, Macron said he “stressed the need for Iran to immediately cease its strikes against countries in the region”. He also urged Iran to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pezeshkian’s office issued a warning in response to the conversation. It stated he cautioned against any action by France or others “in support of the aggressors of our country”.
Such actions would be considered “participation in this war”, the statement added. It quoted Pezeshkian saying Iran’s people and armed forces are determined to defend the nation.
France insists its regional stance remains “strictly defensive”. Macron’s visit will also emphasise guaranteeing maritime security in key waterways.
This includes the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea through the EU’s Aspides maritime operation. Numerous attacks have struck ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began.
Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the visit allows leaders to assess “high level of coordination”. He highlighted the role of Italy and the United Kingdom, which have also deployed warships to Cyprus.
Macron held separate diplomatic calls on Sunday with the Qatari Emir and the presidents of Egypt and Azerbaijan. He discussed France’s “defensive military support” with Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Both leaders share a conviction that lasting stability requires de-escalation and negotiation. Macron offered support to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev after a drone strike raised fears of the war spilling into the Caucasus.
With Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, he discussed securing maritime transport in the Red Sea. The focus included safeguarding the passage of energy resources through the vital waterway.
