French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which was deployed to the Middle East following the U.S.-Iran war, is on its way back to France.
Macron said the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, dispatched to the region after the conflict between the United States and Iran, is returning to its home port of Toulon.
Following a meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, Macron said they had assessed the region’s security situation and evolving operational needs. In a statement posted on social media, he said:
“France has deployed mine countermeasure assets to the Middle East, including two minehunters.
Together with two frigates and a maritime patrol aircraft, these assets stand ready, alongside our partners, to help fully restore maritime navigation and ensure the security of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran on June 17 reaffirmed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and represents significant progress toward regional stability.
In light of this positive development and the changing operational requirements, and following my constructive discussions with the Sultan of Oman, I have decided to adapt our military posture.
Accordingly, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is returning to its home port of Toulon, while our mine countermeasure vessels and their escorts will remain deployed and ready to operate alongside our partners.
France remains fully committed and will continue to adjust its military assets in line with developments in the region and evolving security needs.”
According to French media reports, the Élysée Palace confirmed that the Charles de Gaulle is currently sailing in the Mediterranean Sea on its return voyage.
The aircraft carrier had been deployed to the Middle East on Macron’s orders following the outbreak of the conflict.