France Recalls Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle from Middle East

President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has returned to its home port of Toulon from the Middle East. The carrier had been deployed to the region in preparation for a multinational maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz, led by France and the United Kingdom. In a post on X, Macron stated that the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran represents significant progress for regional stability, prompting France to adjust its presence in the Middle East. However, Macron added that French minesweeping assets and their escort vessels will remain in place and ready to conduct operations with partners. According to French media reports citing the presidential office, the Charles de Gaulle is currently in the Mediterranean Sea. France and the UK announced in mid-April that they would lead a defensive multinational escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz. France deployed the carrier to the Middle East in May to prepare for the official launch of the operation once the conflict ended. The US and Iran reached an agreement on the memorandum of understanding on 14 June. A day later, Macron stated that the Charles de Gaulle could arrive in the Strait of Hormuz within two to three days under the framework of the escort mission if the situation permitted.