Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as French President Macron visits Syria

Explosions near a Damascus hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying wounded 18 people Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Macron at an economic forum, expressing interest in France as a primary economic partner as Damascus seeks to leverage its geographic position following the Strait of Hormuz closure. The circumstances and cause of the explosions were not detailed in available reports.