Macron makes surprise Saudi visit as France secures extra diesel supplies

Emmanuel Macron made a surprise visit to Riyadh to show France’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia following intensified Houthi attacks. The Élysée said Saudi Arabia had agreed to supply France with extra diesel “for as many months as necessary,” without specifying the volume. Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also agreed to consult on expanding security cooperation and developing infrastructure to bypass the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf tour seeks to secure energy supplies as high prices fuel rioting and social unrest in France.