France, March 9 -- Speaking during a visit to Cyprus to discuss regional security, Macron said the mission would be aimed at escorting container ships and tankers in order to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz "after the end of the hottest phase of the conflict".

"When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked," he said.

"We will not accept that the slightest piece of European territory, like Cyprus, be exposed to danger," added Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides Mitsotakis.

Macron visited Cyprus after the island nation and EU member was targeted by Iranian-made drones in early March.

The drone attack in Cyprus led to France's deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, as well as a frigate and air ...