Macron says France is sending its aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its air assets, ​and ‌its frigate ⁠escort to set ‌sail for the Mediterranean following the ⁠situation in the Middle East, France 24 reports.

"Faced with ‌this unstable situation and ​the uncertainties of the coming days, I have ordered ​the aircraft ​carrier Charles de Gaulle, ​its air assets, and ​its frigate escort to set sail for the Mediterranean," France 24 quoted the French President as saying in an address to the nation.

In a pre-recorded speech on French TV, Macron added that Rafale fighter jets, air-defense systems, and airborne radar systems have been deployed over the past few hours in the Middle East.

“And we will continue this effort as much as necessary,” Macron said. 

He cited Monday's strike on a British air force base on Cyprus, adding that Cyprus was a member of the European Union with which France has recently signed a strategic partnership. 

“This requires our support. That is why I have decided to send additional air-defense assets there as well, along with a French frigate, the Languedoc, which will arrive off the coast of Cyprus later this evening," Macron said. 

According to France 24, during a meeting of France's defense council on Sunday, the French president said France would raise its defence posture in the Middle East to protect its nationals and bases there, and to support countries in the region targeted by Iran in retaliation for the Israeli-US strikes.

The U.S. and Israel launched what they described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon and posing a threat—an allegation Iran has denied. In response, Iran launched counterattacks, firing missiles and drones at Israel, as well as at U.S. assets and other targets across the Middle East, including those stationed in Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. Some of the attacks have struck airports, halting air travel across the region.