Trump Announces Three-Week Extension of Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon: Aims to Facilitate US-Iran Negotiations and Warns of Military Action if Talks Fail

On April 24, President Trump announced that the existing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon will be extended for three weeks, aiming to buy time for a long-term agreement and to clear key obstacles for the U.S. in its efforts to end conflicts related to Iran. Trump stated that he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit the U.S. soon, and mentioned that the U.S. would cooperate with Lebanon to address security challenges posed by Hezbollah, though he did not disclose specific measures. Regarding the Iran issue, Trump said Tehran ‘wants to reach an agreement but is in internal chaos,’ emphasizing that he is not in a hurry to negotiate, but if Iran refuses to reach an agreement, ‘the conflict will be ended through military means.’ He also made it clear that he would not use nuclear weapons, believing that conventional military power already has overwhelming advantages. Additionally, Trump pointed out that during the previous ceasefire, Iran may have ‘slightly replenished its arsenal,’ but the U.S. has the capability to quickly destroy it. He reiterated his hope to push for a ‘lasting’ agreement rather than hastily reaching a short-term arrangement.