Macron to Deploy Aircraft Carrier to Shield Mideast Shipping

The French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle in Malmo, Sweden, on Feb. 25.
Photographer: Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency/AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Samy Adghirni, Benoit Berthelot, and Kavita Mokha

March 3, 2026 at 7:22 PM UTC

Updated on

March 3, 2026 at 8:13 PM UTC

French President Emmanuel Macron said he’ll send an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean to help secure maritime routes and ensure Europe’s economic interests in the region.

The move follows a jump in energy prices as the US and Israel wage their war on Iran, pressuring markets already grappling with low supplies. Oil surged for a second day on Tuesday.