A prolonged conflict in the Middle East would increase Europe's exposure to security risks, including potential attacks on European-linked assets, renewed migration pressures and an elevated terrorism threat, particularly if European capitals assume a more active military or diplomatic role against the Iranian regime. On March 1, France deployed the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and other naval assets to the Eastern Mediterranean after an Iranian drone strike hit a French naval facility in Abu Dhabi. The United Kingdom authorized U.S. use of British bases for "defensive" missile interceptions and confirmed a drone strike on its Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus the same day. The European Union said it would reinforce Operation Aspides, its naval mission protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, while EU foreign ministers jointly called for maximum restraint and adherence to international law.