French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that he is prepared to deploy France's nuclear arsenal if the nation's vital interests are at risk. This statement comes amid heightened military tensions involving Iran and a global landscape that he described as particularly volatile.
While addressing the audience at the nuclear submarine base of Île Longue in Brittany, Macron emphasized the need to bolster France's nuclear deterrence to meet both national and European challenges. He stressed that France's deterrence strategy must be contemplated from a European continental perspective while maintaining respect for national sovereignty.
The president also spoke about advancing towards what he termed "enhanced deterrence," noting that Europe is facing a "risky period of disruption" that citizens are acutely aware of. This, he argued, justifies strengthening France's strategic model.
In his address, Macron also touched on the conflict in Ukraine, accusing Russia of waging a "slow and cruel war" against its neighbor. He labeled this conflict as a significant threat to Europe, according to France's national strategic review. Macron further accused Moscow of engaging in brutal imperialism and revisionism, supported by an expanding nuclear arsenal.
Macron's comments follow a military offensive launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against over a thousand strategic targets in Iran, including nuclear and military sites. Following these strikes and the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Washington has opened discussions on a possible political transition in Tehran.
In retaliation, Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel and several Gulf countries. France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have expressed their willingness to coordinate defensive actions with the United States to curb Iran's attack capabilities, reflecting a unified European stance against the escalation.
Among the confirmed incidents was the impact of an Iranian drone on the British Akrotiri base in Cyprus, which caused minor material damage. This base is a strategic asset for the UK in the eastern Mediterranean.
From Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the European Union must brace for the conflict's repercussions in areas such as energy, security, and migration. She asserted that a sustainable solution requires diplomatic efforts, including halting Iran's nuclear and ballistic programs, as reported by EuroEFE.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned Iran's attacks on Israel, Cyprus, and several Gulf nations, urging a de-escalation and a return to dialogue, as per his social media messages.
The European coordination in response to Iranian attacks and the readiness of Paris, Berlin, and London to collaborate with Washington were already evident in a joint declaration on defensive actions aimed at neutralizing Iran's military capabilities in the region.
Key Questions on France's Nuclear Deterrence Policy
Why did Macron emphasize nuclear deterrence in his speech?
Macron highlighted the importance of nuclear deterrence to address the growing challenges faced by France and Europe in an unstable global environment, ensuring national and continental security.
What was the reaction to the US and Israeli offensive in Iran?
In response, Iran launched counterattacks involving missiles and drones against Israel and Gulf countries, escalating regional tensions and prompting a coordinated defensive stance from European allies.
How is the European Union preparing for the conflict's impact?
The EU, under the guidance of Ursula von der Leyen, is preparing for potential impacts on energy, security, and migration, advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing tensions.