French PresidentEmmanuel Macronarrived inCypruson Monday to discuss regional security, whileParisdeployed warships to the Mediterraneanand theUS-Israeli war on Iranstretched into a second week.

Macron, who landed in Paphos earlier on Monday, met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime MinisterKyriakos Mitsotakisfor talks.

European Unionmember Cyprus wastargeted last week by Iranian-made drones, leading Macron to order France'sCharles de Gaulleaircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, as well as a frigate and air defence units to the island nation.

Macron was scheduled to visit the Charles de Gaulle on Monday afternoon. France's flagship is currently stationed off the coast of Crete, according to the Elysee.

The Elysee has said the visit aims to show "solidarity" and detail moves to "strengthen security around Cyprus and in the eastern Mediterranean".

Read moreEuropean countries to deploy military assets to Cyprus after drone attack on UK base

Macron said he had spoken to his US and Iranian counterparts on Sunday ahead of the trip.

Macron also spoke on Monday morning to Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahuabout the situation in theMiddle EastandLebanon, the Elysee said.

He had already spoken with Netanyahu last week for the first time since the summer of 2025.

During his visit to Cyprus, the French leader was also to discuss freedom of navigation and maritime security in theRed Seaand theStrait of Hormuz.

There have been numerous attacks targeting the key waterway in the Gulf since the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28.

A government spokesman for Cyprus, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, has said Macron's visit will allow the leaders of Cyprus,Greeceand France to assess the "high level of coordination" between their nations.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Originally published on France24