Nicosia, March 09 (QNA) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he is working with partners to prepare a future, purely defensive mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and escorting commercial ships and oil tankers.

Speaking during a visit to Cyprus, Macron noted, however, that this will take place after the most intense phase of the conflict in the Middle East ends, in order to ensure the resumption of oil and gas flows.

The French President also announced that France will contribute two frigates to the European Union's (EU) Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea, long term.

Extending from the eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea and up to the Strait of Hormuz, French presence will consist of eight frigates, two amphibious helicopter carriers, and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, currently stationed near the Greek island of Crete, said Macron.

He also stated that any attack targeting Cyprus, an EU member, is an attack on the EU, adding that Cyprus's security does not only concern the country itself, rather Greece, France, and the EU as a whole as well.

In recent days, Iranian missiles have reportedly struck Cypriot territory. (QNA)