War in the Middle East: Macron positions himself as leader of European defense, lacking leverage on the conflict

French President made a brief visit to Paphos on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which was targeted by an Iranian-made drone after the conflict began on February 28 between the United States and Israel. Central message: “When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked.” France has responded to protect Cyprus and its Gulf partners facing Iranian reprisals. The President mentioned, without details, new “interceptions” of strikes that have continued in recent days.

Following this, a detour by the aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle,” now off the coast of Crete, Greece, as part of a significant military deployment decided by Paris amid the Middle Eastern escalation.

The “Charles de Gaulle” is in the eastern Mediterranean as part of a major air and naval deployment involving eight frigates and two amphibious helicopter carriers in a vast area including the Red sea and the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf.

By being the first leader to visit Cyprus and coordinating these military means with several countries including Italy and Spain, Emmanuel Macron is trying to strengthen his role as a European defense leader. Just a week after putting France at the center by proposing an “advanced” nuclear deterrence for Europe.

“Your presence today demonstrates the power of France, a power of balance, peace among its friends,” he said to the sailors of the “Charles de Gaulle” on Monday. “Also that of a European power that knows how to organize around it and orchestrate the presence of several other Europeans,” added the President who has been advocating for strategic autonomy for the Continent for several years.

In contrast, the UK is criticized for its slower deployment, even though it was a British base that was targeted in Cyprus. “So far, France’s response has been the right one,” admitted one of its main opponents, National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, on BFMTV.

However, on the diplomatic front, some criticize the President’s apparent attempt to maintain good relations with the US and Israel while not directly approving or participating in their operation.