France Orders Aircraft Carrier to Mediterranean

French President Emmanuel Macron has instructed the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean Sea amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In a nationally televised address broadcast on Tuesday, Macron said France is working to build an international coalition aimed at protecting maritime routes that have become increasingly dangerous due to rising tensions in the region.

He warned that the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating violence are threatening shipping through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, stressing that urgent action is necessary.

(Source: Reuters)

U.S. Says Over 50,000 Troops Involved in Iran Strikes

The United States has confirmed that more than 50,000 troops, 200 combat aircraft, two aircraft carriers, and several bombers are participating in military operations targeting Iran.

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), described the campaign as the largest American military buildup in the Middle East in decades. He stated that U.S. forces are focused on eliminating threats capable of attacking American personnel and assets.

According to Cooper, 17 Iranian naval vessels, including a submarine, have been destroyed. He added that operations are ongoing across land, sea, air, and cyberspace.

(Source: The New York Times)

Russia and China Criticize U.S.–Israel Strikes

The foreign ministers of Russia and China have condemned the joint U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iran.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi called on Israel to immediately halt its military actions. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow has seen no evidence suggesting Iran is attempting to build a nuclear weapon.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

UK Sending Warship to Cyprus

The United Kingdom is dispatching naval assets, including the warship HMS Dragon, to Cyprus after a drone incident near a British airbase.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the move following reports that an Iranian drone struck near the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri in Cyprus. Although the damage was minor and no casualties were reported, the UK has decided to reinforce its presence in the area.