French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged Europe's full support to Cyprus after the island nation became the first EU member to be directly attacked in the Iran war. Speaking at an airbase in Paphos alongside the leaders of Greece and Cyprus, Macron described the drone and missile strikes as 'an attack on Europe'.
The attacks included a Shahed drone strike on RAF Akrotiri, a British base, and two other Iranian-made combat drones intercepted by British jets. All were launched from Lebanon, according to Cyprus's foreign minister. Macron's visit came as EU states deployed military assets to protect Cyprus, with France sending air defence systems, a frigate, and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Macron also announced a future mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted. 'It is essential for international trade, but also for the flow of gas and oil,' he said. Greece, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain have sent warships and aircraft as part of a coordinated defence effort.
Analysts said the show of unity underscored Europe's resolve to defend its borders amid strained US relations. Cyprus's president, Nikos Christodoulides, called the response unprecedented, saying it highlighted the EU's collective responsibility for the island's security.
