A fierce wildfire has scorched over 593 acres near Marseille, France’s second-largest city, injuring two firefighters. Around 1,000 firefighters and several helicopters have been deployed to control the blaze. Though the fire is now partly contained due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity, over 150 people were evacuated and 120 homes remain at risk. Meanwhile, in Spain’s Toledo province, wildfires have burned 3,200 hectares. Experts warn that climate change and rising summer heatwaves are increasing wildfire threats across Europe.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned Western nations against underestimating Iran, calling it a powerful, strategically deep, and technologically advanced country. In light of recent Iran-US-Israel tensions, he emphasized Iran's ability to withstand sanctions, develop missile technology, and safeguard its underground nuclear infrastructure. Lecornu stated that assassinating scientists won’t erase Iran’s technical knowledge. His remarks indicate a growing Western awareness of Iran’s resilience and the need to reassess its role as a serious geopolitical force rather than a marginal player.

Following the recent aerial clash between India and Pakistan, France has accused China of raising doubts about the effectiveness of the French-made Rafale fighter jets. According to French military and intelligence officials, Chinese embassies around the world are being used to spread disinformation aimed at undermining the aircraft’s credibility, particularly in markets like Indonesia where Rafale is competing for defense contracts. China has dismissed the allegations as baseless.

Over 1,500 flights were canceled in France on July 3 and 4 due to a strike by air traffic controllers, affecting more than 300,000 passengers. The strike, condemned by Airlines for Europe, occurred during the busy summer travel season, forcing thousands to cancel their plans. Major airports including Nice, Paris Orly, and Charles de Gaulle saw significant cancellations. The French Civil Aviation Authority reported 933 cancellations on Thursday alone, with 272 out of 1,000 controllers participating in the strike.

France has issued a red alert for extreme heat across 16 regions, including large parts of the south and east, prompting the closure of the Eiffel Tower. The heat poses serious health risks as temperatures continue to soar. Similar maximum-level heat warnings have been announced in Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Greece. In Germany, temperatures could hit 38°C this week. The Balkan region is also experiencing severe heat, though some areas have begun to see a slight drop in temperature.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Saturday that France, along with Europe, is prepared to secure safe food distribution in Gaza.

Amid growing criticism over civilian deaths near Israeli-controlled aid centers, Barrot said the initiative would also ease Israeli concerns that armed groups like Hamas are seizing relief supplies.

He condemned the killing of “500 people who came for humanitarian aid.” Israeli newspaper Haaretz had reported that military commanders ordered troops to fire on Palestinians collecting food. Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the claim as “a blood libel.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where hostilities have continued for nearly two years. Macron also advocated for unrestricted humanitarian aid access and reaffirmed France’s support for a two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of all parties honoring ceasefires, particularly in the context of the Iran-Israel conflict. Both leaders agreed on the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that French forces intercepted fewer than 10 drones during Iran’s recent military actions against Israel, using both ground-based air defenses and Rafale fighter jets. Addressing parliament, he stated that during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, Iran launched approximately 400 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones targeting Israel.

Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, France has announced plans to evacuate approximately 250,000 French nationals residing in Israel. The French ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense stated that a military Airbus A400M aircraft is being dispatched for the evacuation. These military flights will supplement chartered civilian flights. Evacuees will first be transported to Cyprus.

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed he received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which both leaders agreed to accelerate nuclear negotiations with European powers.

“Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons,” Macron stated on X (formerly Twitter).
He insisted it is Iran’s responsibility to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program with full transparency. Pezeshkian reportedly acknowledged the potential to de-escalate and avoid greater catastrophe.

French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation with Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging Iran to return promptly to the negotiation table over its nuclear program. In a statement posted on X, Macron emphasized that diplomatic dialogue is the only viable path to de-escalation. He also called for the release of two detained French nationals and warned Iran against any attacks on French citizens or property.

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as “shameful and disgraceful,” following the interception of a humanitarian boat carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others. Thousands of people rallied in cities across France, including Paris, demanding action. Macron urged the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors and an effective ceasefire in Gaza. He also demanded the immediate release of six detained French nationals aboard the intercepted vessel.

A video from French President Emmanuel Macron’s Vietnam trip has gone viral, showing his wife Brigitte seemingly swatting his face as they disembark from a plane. Macron responded with humor, saying, “In the video, I was joking with my wife, and suddenly it’s being treated like a geopolitical catastrophe. People are interpreting it in bizarre ways.” He added, “Yes, the videos are real—but the way they’re being distorted and weaponized is even more alarming.”

CNN, citing a top French intelligence official, reported that Pakistan shot down at least one Indian Rafale fighter jet—the first confirmed downing of this advanced French aircraft in a conflict. Pakistan claims to have downed five Indian aircraft so far, including three Rafales. India, however, denies losing any jets. Debris from a crashed aircraft displaying markings from the French manufacturer has been found in Indian-controlled Kashmir, but its origin has yet to be confirmed.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France may recognize Palestine as a sovereign state during a UN conference in New York this June, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. “This is not to please anyone; I will do it because it will be the right time and part of a broader momentum. Those who support Palestine should, in return, recognize Israel,” Macron said. Palestinian Foreign Minister Versen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the initiative, calling it a “step in the right direction to uphold Palestinian rights and pursue the two-state solution.”