Escalation in the Middle East: French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle crosses Gibraltar amid Iranian attacks on bases in the Emirates and Kuwait

The crisis in the Middle East took a critical turn on Friday, with the entry of the French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle into the Mediterranean Sea and a new wave of attacks claimed by Iran against military installations in Persian Gulf countries. The Charles de Gaulle's combat group, composed of the aircraft carrier, two French frigates (FREMM), one Spanish frigate, one Dutch frigate, one Italian frigate, a French nuclear submarine and a supply ship, crossed The Strait of Gibraltar was crossed in the early afternoon today, as reported by French military sources and media. The movement, ordered by President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week, aims to reinforce the European presence and protect allies amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out direct attacks against Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. These facilities house American military contingents and assets, and the attacks are part of the so-called "Operation True Promise 4," in retaliation for previous actions against Iranian territory. Reports indicate damage to early warning radars, fuel tanks, runways, and maintenance infrastructure.

In response to the worsening situation, Azerbaijan announced the immediate withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from Iran. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov confirmed the closure of the embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Tabriz, citing security concerns following recent incidents involving Iranian drones in the Nakhchivan region. The country also raised the readiness level of its armed forces.

In northern Iraq, the Iranian-backed Kataib Ashab al-Kahf militia claimed responsibility for drone strikes in Duhok province, in the Kurdistan Region. Targets included energy facilities and fields operated by foreign companies, expanding the reach of actions by Iranian proxy groups. Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, reported having maintained contact with the Crown Prince of Dubai and Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

In a joint statement, both sides strongly condemned the "Iranian aggression" against the Kingdom, the Emirates, and other countries in the region, affirming their full solidarity and readiness for coordinated response measures. Analysts warn that the combination of European naval force projection, direct Iranian attacks, and chain reactions from Gulf and Caucasus countries signals a high risk of the conflict expanding beyond the main Iran-Israel-US theater, with potential impacts on global energy security and maritime routes. The United Nations and regional powers are following developments with growing concern, while there is, to date, no official confirmation of casualties or the full extent of the damage to the attacked bases.