Trump Announces Three-Week Ceasefire Extension in Lebanon: Paving the Way for US-Iran Talks, Warns Military Action if Talks Are Rejected

April 24 — President Trump announced Wednesday that the existing Israel-Lebanon ceasefire will be extended by three weeks. The extension is aimed at buying more time to secure a long-term deal and clearing key hurdles for the U.S. to wrap up the Iran-related conflict. Trump said he will soon invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit the U.S. He noted the U.S. will work with Lebanon to tackle Hezbollah-related security threats but did not specify details. On Iran, Trump noted Tehran "wants a deal but is internally chaotic," stressing he’s not in a rush to negotiate. But if Iran rejects a deal, he said the conflict would be resolved "through military means." He also clarified nuclear weapons won’t be used, arguing conventional military force already has overwhelming superiority. Additionally, Trump noted Iran may have "slightly replenished its military gear" during the prior ceasefire period, but the U.S. can quickly destroy it. He reaffirmed his hope for a "lasting" deal instead of rushing a short-term arrangement.