"would the French help?"
Nope, the only effective fighting force the Frence have is the foreign legion. It is only effective because it is NOT manned entirely with Frenchmen.
Besides, a French carrier would probably surrender if fired upon by a tug boat, or they would try to sell it to the Iranians. The Frence are the whores of the world, willing to sell anything to anyone at anytime.
Actually, the French can fight quite effectively when they want to, but that wasn't my point. I was referencing the humorous ambiguity of a classic joke punch line, but it appears you are unfamiliar with it. I guess I'm just showing my age... /grin