Emmanuel Macron vows Europe will stand by Cyprus after Iran drone strike

Following an Iranian drone strike on a British base in Cyprus, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged Europe's support for the island nation, stating an attack on Cyprus is an attack on Europe. The incident involved a Shahed drone crashing into a hangar at RAF Akrotiri, followed by the interception of two more Iranian-made drones launched from Lebanon. Macron announced a defensive mission with allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, vital for international trade and energy flow, after the conflict's peak. Greece also pledged support, sending fighter jets and frigates to Cyprus. France has already deployed air defense systems, a frigate, and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the region in response to Cyprus's request for military assistance.

In March 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and its allies are preparing a defensive mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The mission aims to reopen the vital waterway, which has been effectively shut down due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran and subsequent regional instability. The goal is to guarantee freedom of navigation and maritime security for container ships and tankers once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides. This initiative comes as oil prices surge and concerns rise over Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure. However, an Iranian security official expressed doubt that security could be achieved in the Strait of Hormuz while the US and Israel continue to wage war on Iran.