France Is Sending a Large Naval Force to the Middle East NYT Par : Catherine Porter and Ana Castelain 9 mars 2026 à 22:02 President Emmanuel Macron said the warships would help protect France’s allies in the region, and could be part of a force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the war could continue for “several days, maybe several weeks.” © Pool photo by Gonzalo FuentesPresident Emmanuel Macron, center right, visiting the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during a visit to Cyprus on Monday.