One of the major takeaways from Monday trilateral meeting on Cyprus between French President Emmanuel Macron, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and host Nikos Christodoulides was an announcement by the former for a new international military operation to escort tankers and commercial ships through the southern half of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, essentially a repeat of the “Aspides” operation undertaken by the EU.

The specific sea routes, plied by vessels to and from the Suez Canal, have in the recent past been plagued by attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels controlling roughly half of Yemen.

Greek frigates “Kimon”, right, and “Psara” near the port of Limassol, as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, Cyprus, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou.

Macron made the statement came during joint remarks with Mitsotakis and Christodoulides at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base, located in the southern part of the Republic of Cyprus.

Macron referred to what he said was the success of Operation Aspides, saying the new effort would involve both European and non-European countries to ensure safe navigation for tankers and merchant vessels.

He also reaffirmed France’s support for the east Mediterranean island of Cyprus, stating that “when Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked,” and noted that France had sent a frigate and the Mistral air defense System to strengthen the divided island’s defense.

Macron also called for de-escalation amid regional tensions, describing the situation in Lebanon as highly concerning. He added that the “Group of Seven” initiative would coordinate further on energy issues following the surge in oil and natural gas prices, calling it a sign of “practical solidarity.”