France, April 8 -- The defence council brought together ministers and senior officials to discuss "the situation in Iran and the Middle East," the Elysee said. The meeting also addressed the return of two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, freed by Iran.

France earlier warned against further escalation in the conflict.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday said France is "firmly opposed to strikes on civilian structures, wherever they occur", warning such action would push the region into "a new phase of escalation".

The ceasefire is meant to halt fighting for two weeks while negotiations take place, but there are conflicting accounts over when it will begin and how it will be applied. The agreement also includes...