Paris, 10 March (H.S.): President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that France will ramp up its naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea to shield nations confronting Iranian strikes, deploying a formidable flotilla including eight frigates, two amphibious helicopter carriers, and the flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Macron stressed the initiative's exclusively defensive posture, aimed at preserving regional stability and securing vital international shipping lanes amid the roiling U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. France stands resolute with partners bracing for potential Iranian reprisals, he affirmed, underscoring efforts to de-escalate tensions while safeguarding allies' security.

The president pledged action to uphold freedom of navigation, potentially escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should circumstances demand, without entangling France directly in the fray.

This coalition effort, involving European and non-EU navies, underscores Paris's commitment to balanced peacekeeping in a volatile theater where Iranian drones and missiles have disrupted trade and targeted assets like French facilities in Abu Dhabi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar