Macron says France and India are deepening their “special global strategic partnership”, with major expansion in defense and industrial cooperation especially around 114 Rafale jets.

India confirmed it intends to order 114 additional Rafales, with “Make in India” co-production.

Cooperation will expand in:
─ Maintenance & support capacity.
─ Submarines (France offering more capabilities).
─ Engines.
─ Helicopters (Tata–Airbus collaboration).

Macron called the Rafale deal “absolutely key” and described it as a new step forward in long-term defense partnership.

Russia's Rosatom:

Russia is ready to accept enriched uranium from Iran if agreements are in place.

U.S. Southern Command chief Gen. Francis L. Donovan made a surprise visit to Venezuela yesterday, his first trip to the region since taking command.

He met with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and top security officials to discuss cooperation on drug trafficking, terrorism, and migration.

It’s the first U.S. military delegation visit since Nicolás Maduro’s ouster and arrest last month.

Both sides described the talks as “productive” and focused on rebuilding security ties.

As of today, 100 x U.S. military tanker aircraft are positioned or moving in support of potential operations related to Iran.

Nigeria, Germany Agree to Deepen Security Cooperation, Talks Span Power to Rail

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Trump has withdrawn support for the UK’s plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after Britain refused to approve US use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for potential strikes on Iran.

Under existing agreements, US operations from the bases require UK consent, which has not been granted amid legal concerns.

Officials say the Chagos deal cannot proceed without US backing.

Source: The Times

“Board of Peace” meets.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wears a red “USA” hat while attending the “Board of Peace” meeting.

Trump:

Everyone here is the head of a country, except for Gianni — but he’s the head of soccer, so that’s not so bad.

Right, Gianni? I think I like your job the best.

Trump on Aliyev and Pashinyan:

I think they have become friends.

I am not sure if I am allowed to say that, but I think so.

BIG: The UK is refusing to approve US use of RAF bases (Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford) for potential strikes on Iran, citing international law concerns.

The dispute is said to be behind President Trump withdrawing support for the UK’s Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius.

The US is drawing up strike plans, but British approval is required — and hasn’t been granted.

Source: The Times

Milei and Orbán are sitting side by side at the “Board of Peace” as Trump praises them.

Trump to Orbán:

You have my complete and total endorsement.

I am putting it out again.

Trump on India-Pakistan:

Eleven jets were shot down — very expensive jets.

They were all in.

Trump:

I don’t like young, handsome men.

Trump to Qatar’s PM:

You need a public relations agency because you do so much good, and they see you as evil.

You are not evil. You help us so much, and you are such a good ally.

I just want people to know that.

Trump on Steve Witkoff:

He goes to see Putin. He didn’t know Putin — I set up a meeting.

I said, “How is Steve doing?” “He is still inside.” “Oh, that was an hour.”

I called back. “Tell Steve to call me when he is finished. I want to know what the hell is going on.”

Three hours, four hours — their meeting lasted four hours.

That is talent.

Trump on Iran:

Witkoff and Kushner had some very good meetings with the Iranians.

We have to make a meaningful deal; otherwise, bad things happen.

Trump on Iran:

We may have to take it a step further, or we may not.

Maybe we are going to make a deal. You are going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days.

Trump on Iran:

We do have some work to do with Iran. They cannot have a nuclear weapon — they’ve been told that very strongly.

Trump:

Kazakhstan, “Azer-bijan,” the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait have all contributed more than 7 billion dollars toward the relief package.