Trump Claims US Forced Israel to Halt Bombing Campaign in Lebanon

Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that Israel will cease its airstrikes on Lebanon following direct intervention from Washington. He made this announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social.

"Israel will no longer be bombing Lebanon. The United States FORBADE them from doing it. Enough is enough!!! Thank you!" Trump wrote in his post.

He added that the United States would separately engage with Lebanon and address the situation involving Hezbollah "appropriately." According to Trump, the referenced agreement involves no financial settlements and is not directly linked to Lebanon itself.

This statement comes amid a sharp escalation in the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Recent weeks have seen Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory, resulting in casualties and destruction.

On April 16-17, through US mediation, the sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, the truce remains fragile, with both parties already accusing each other of violations. Notably, Hezbollah was not formally part of these negotiations.

In a parallel diplomatic effort, the US is engaged in talks with Iran. The two nations have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, which is set to last until April 22. Concurrently, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime chokepoint for approximately 20% of the world's oil shipments—which had been effectively blocked due to the conflict.

Despite these developments, Washington maintains pressure. Trump stated that the American naval blockade of Iran will remain in effect until a comprehensive peace agreement is finalized.