French President Emmanuel Macron, who on Friday defended Israel's right to protect itself, spoke by phone to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a spike in diplomatic tensions, the Elysee said.

The French presidency said the phone conversation took place but did not specify the content of the exchange with the Israeli leader.

Relations between Macron and Netanyahu have been strained in recent months over Israel's blockade of Gaza and France's plans to recognise a Palestinian state.

Israel pounded Iran in a series of air raids, striking 100 targets including nuclear and military sites as well as killing the armed forces' chief of staff.

In the aftermath of the strikes, Macron also spoke with leaders including US President Donald Trump and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

France and Saudi Arabia have been planning to co-chair a UN conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians next week in New York.

Macron was expected to speak on the issue on Friday, but his speech was cancelled. Instead, he will address reporters Friday evening.

Earlier Friday, Macron said Israel had the right to defend itself and ensure its security but also called for de-escalation.

"To avoid jeopardising the stability of the entire region, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate," he said on X.

Macron spoke after convening a meeting of the National Defence and Security Council.

"All necessary steps will be taken to protect our nationals and our diplomatic and military missions in the region," Macron said.

France's foreign minister also urged restraint.

"We call on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could undermine regional stability," Jean-Noel Barrot said on X.

Iran has gradually broken away from its commitments under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers including the United States and France in 2015.

The landmark deal provided Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme, but it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States during Trump's first term in 2018.

MSH

At least 34 people, including two babies were killed when a contraband fuel depot exploded into flames in southern Benin near the border with Nigeria on Saturday.

According to Beninese Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, “a serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji. Another 20 people were seriously wounded in the incident.”

"I can't really give you the cause of the fire, but there is a large gasoline warehouse here and cars, tricycles and motorcycles come from morning to evening,” he added.

Nigeria is a main oil and gas producer where fuel smuggling is very common along its borders, particularly when the government maintains a subsidy to keep fuel prices low.

The majority of the victims were burnt and they could not be not be identified.

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