War in the Middle East: Change in tone of Donald Trump, new Israeli strikes in Lebanon… What i

The American president announced the suspension of planned strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure, while mentioning a regime change.

The war continues in the Middle East. In a dramatic change of tone on the 24th day of the conflict, Donald Trump announced on Monday, March 23, the suspension of planned strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure. He also mentioned a regime change, while Israel once again struck Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exchanged views with President Trump, while Emmanuel Macron warned against an “occupation” of Lebanon. Here are the key facts from Monday, March 23.

Donald Trump says a “regime change” is underway in Iran

Donald Trump stated that a “regime change” is underway in Iran, threatening to “continue to bomb aggressively” if ongoing negotiations with an unidentified group of Iranian leaders fail. In a dramatic change of tone on the 24th day of the conflict, Donald Trump also described the suspension of planned strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure.

He also mentioned having had “very good discussions for a total cessation” of hostilities with Iran. This version was denied by Tehran. Iranian media, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that there is “no dialogue between Tehran and Washington.”

New Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Beirut

The Israeli army announced on Monday evening that it had carried out new strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut. One person was killed earlier in an Israeli attack on an apartment in Hazmieh, near the Lebanese capital, according to authorities. Israel claims to have targeted a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. The army also announced hitting a site of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran, stating that it was used to direct battalions of the paramilitary Basij force.

Finally, the Israeli army claimed to have captured two fighters from the elite Hezbollah force in southern Lebanon who were planning to launch an anti-tank missile at its troops, a first since the beginning of the war.

Exchange between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump

Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue its strikes in Iran and Lebanon, remaining determined to protect its “vital interests under all circumstances.” The Israeli Prime Minister made these remarks after discussing with President Donald Trump. The American President “believes there is a chance to leverage the [Israeli and American military] tremendous successes to achieve the war’s objectives within an agreement that will preserve our vital interests,” said the Prime Minister in a short video message distributed by his office.

Emmanuel Macron warns against “occupation” of Lebanon

Emmanuel Macron emphasized that no “occupation” could ensure the “security of anyone” in a warning to Israel and its ground operation in Lebanon while inaugurating an exhibition dedicated to the city of Byblos (Lebanon) at the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris. “No occupation, no form of colonization, neither here, nor in the West Bank, nor elsewhere, can ensure the security of anyone,” stated the French President, in the presence of Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh.

“At a time of turmoil between religions, at a time when some want to push us towards escalating wars, at a time when some others want to make us believe that security can only be ensured by invading the feared neighbor, Lebanon reminds us of one thing, the strength of universalism,” he added, citing the “strength of international law.”