Europe rallies around Cyprus during Iran war as Macron visits to show support for island

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged full support for Cyprus on Monday following a drone strike on a British air base on the island last week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The president’s visit underscores growing European concern about the widening regional conflict.

“When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked,” Macron declared after meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Cyprus’ main air base near Paphos. “We are bound to one another by strategic partnerships.”

The drone strike, which caused minor damage to a hangar at the RAF Akrotiri air base on March 2, marks the first such attack on European territory linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. No injuries were reported in the incident. Two additional drones were intercepted by British Typhoon and F-35 warplanes scrambled from the base later that day.

Cypriot officials confirmed the Shahed drone originated from Lebanon and believe it was launched by Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in the country. The militant group is known to possess explosive drones similar to those used by Iran.

In response to the attack, Macron ordered the French frigate Languedoc to waters off Cyprus to bolster the island’s defenses. France has also deployed ground-based anti-drone and anti-missile systems to the Mediterranean nation, which is a fellow European Union member.

Going further, Macron announced an “unprecedented” deployment of eight warships, two helicopter carriers, and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East region. The French president indicated he would soon board the Charles de Gaulle, which is currently sailing “very near” Cyprus.

Greece has already dispatched four F-16 fighter planes to the Paphos air base and deployed two state-of-the-art frigates, Kimon and Psara, to patrol offshore Cyprus with orders to intercept any incoming missiles or drones.

Macron also revealed a French-led initiative involving European and non-European nations to escort oil and gas tankers, aiming to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible after the most intense phase of the conflict is over.” The strategic waterway is crucial for global energy supplies.

Christodoulides emphasized that the leaders’ presence demonstrates how the EU remains “united and determined” to ensure the security of its member states. “Our countries have the common belief that the European Union must engage more actively, more strategically and more coherently with the wider region as part of a comprehensive approach,” he said.

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis reinforced this message, stating that “now is the time to make clear that every inch of European territory is inviolable.” He stressed that their actions are purely defensive, saying: “Our sole and exclusive aim is to strengthen the defense of a European Union member state against any threat.”

Despite the military buildup, all three leaders have called for restraint to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Christodoulides has repeatedly emphasized that Cyprus will not participate in any military operations and remains focused on its humanitarian role, which includes maintaining a maritime corridor for aid deliveries to Gaza via the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Macron has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict. On Sunday, he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging Iran to halt its strikes. Cyprus and France strengthened their relationship with a new strategic partnership signed in December.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji condemned the drone attack on Cyprus on Sunday, asking Cypriot officials “not to confuse the Lebanese state with those acting outside its authority and legal framework.” The Lebanese government has ordered its security agencies to crack down on non-state groups carrying out attacks.

Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Macron called for Hezbollah to “cease all strikes from Lebanese territory, because it is putting all Lebanese people in danger,” while simultaneously urging Israel to halt its strikes in Lebanon.

The coordinated European response highlights growing concerns about the conflict’s potential to spread beyond its current boundaries, threatening regional stability and European security interests.