War in the Middle East: Extension of ceasefire in Lebanon, explosions in Tehran… What to remember from Thursday, April 23rd

Donald Trump announces extension of ceasefire in Lebanon

Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was due to expire on Sunday, by “three weeks.”

Published on April 24, 2026 at 00:13, updated on April 24, 2026 at 00:14. Reading time: 3 minutes

Donald Trump stated that there was a “very good chance” of reaching a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon this year, after announcing an extension of the ceasefire by “three weeks” on Thursday, April 23. On the Iran-Washington front, the truce in place for two weeks seems to be hanging by a thread. Iranian media have reported explosions in Tehran, a first since the ceasefire came into effect. Franceinfo provides an overview of the key information from this day.

Donald Trump announces extension of ceasefire in Lebanon

“The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks,” announced Donald Trump on Thursday evening. The president participated in a new round of talks in Washington between the two countries at the ambassador level in the afternoon, during which Beirut had announced its intention to request an extension of the ceasefire in effect since April 17. The American president also stated that there was a “very good chance” of reaching a peace agreement between the two countries this year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun could meet “in the coming weeks,” Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social network.

Explosions heard in Tehran

Iranian media have reported explosions in Tehran in the evening, for the first time since the ceasefire came into effect on April 8, which was supposed to end on Wednesday but was unilaterally extended by the United States. Donald Trump also said on Thursday that he had “all the time in the world” in the Middle East war.

Israel awaits Trump’s green light to “bring Iran back to the Stone Age”

Israel is prepared to resume war against Iran and awaits Washington’s approval to bring the country “back to the Stone Age,” declared Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. Donald Trump announced on Tuesday an extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which came into effect on April 8 – and to which Israel complied. “The IDF [Israeli Defense Forces] is ready, both defensively and offensively, and the targets have been designated,” said Israel Katz. “We are waiting for the green light from the United States – mainly to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty,” he added in reference to Mojtaba Khamenei, as well as “to bring Iran back to the dark ages and the Stone Age by destroying key energy and electricity facilities and dismantling its national economic infrastructure.”

“This time, when the attack resumes, it will be different and deadly, adding devastating blows to the most sensitive points, after the colossal strikes already suffered by the Iranian terrorist regime, which will shake and collapse its foundations,” the minister added.

Donald Trump orders the destruction of Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz

This is the latest episode in the maritime standoff between the two belligerents, who are increasing seizures and inspections of ships. Donald Trump ordered on Thursday the destruction of Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. “There must be no hesitation,” he wrote on his Truth Social network, as the double Iranian and American blockade to which this strategic maritime route is subjected increasingly undermines the global economy.

Iran seized two ships on Wednesday in the strait and reiterated that it would remain closed until the United States lifted the blockade of Iranian ports imposed since April 13. A senior Iranian official also announced on Thursday that Iran had received its first revenues from unilaterally imposed passage rights in the strait.

Three people killed in Lebanon

In Lebanon, three people were killed on Thursday in an Israeli strike, despite the ceasefire between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah in place since April 17. Hezbollah, on the other hand, claimed attacks on Israeli troops in Lebanese territory and announced firing rockets into northern Israel.

On the same day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of committing a “war crime” after the death of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil in an Israeli airstrike in the southern part of the country. The 42-year-old journalist from Al-Akhbar newspaper was killed on Wednesday. Her independent colleague Zeinab Faraj was injured in the same strike.