Macron to double defence budget by 2027

Jaishankar said in a post on X, "Appreciate the exchange of assessments today with FM Jean-Noël Barrot of France on the West Asia conflict. Look forward to continuing it in person."

Reports indicate a US missile strike hit a school in Khomeyn, central Iran. This comes as the IRGC vowed to "determine" the war's end, rejecting US claims of a "short-term excursion." Amid threats to global oil supplies, Russia and France are pursuing diplomatic and defensive measures to stabilise the region.

Iran's IRGC has rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that the conflict will end "soon", asserting it will "determine" the war's conclusion. Tehran warned it would halt all regional oil exports if attacks continue, while Trump threatened to hit Iran "twenty times harder" if global supplies are disrupted.

The embassy said that the form is only for those who are stranded in Qatar as tourists or Hayya A1 visa holders.

Major Gulf carriers, including Emirates and Etihad, have resumed limited flight operations as of Saturday, following regional airspace closures. Services are gradually restoring, with some restricted to "relief corridors" for stranded passengers.

Replying to PM Modi's post on X on Holi, Macron said in Hindi "Happy Holi, my friend!"

France is poised to increase its nuclear warheads for the first time in decades, reflecting growing concerns over Europe's security environment amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and debates over the future of transatlantic defence guarantees, France24 reported.

"Malaysia Airlines confirms that all services to London and Paris continue to operate as scheduled. To ensure the highest safety standards, our flights are utilising alternative routes to avoid affected regions. While this may result in slightly longer flight times, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our absolute priority," the airline said.

French and Belgian forces intercepted a "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the North Sea to enforce sanctions against Russia. Following a helicopter-assisted boarding by special forces, the vessel is being escorted to Zeebrugge for seizure, aiming to cut off funding for the war in Ukraine.

"The IDF completed a broad strike on strategic defense systems of the Iranian regime. The IDF struck multiple strategic aerial defense systems, including an advanced SA-65 system in the Kermanshah area of western Iran," the IDF posted on X.