Important information not to be missed, 32 days after the outbreak of the conflict between Iran and Israel and the United States.

Publishing date: April 1, 2026, 00:30 | Reading time: 8min

As the war in the Middle East enters its 32nd day on Tuesday, March 31, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to assure that he will stop at nothing to crush Iran, even if it means occupying southern Lebanon where at least 8 people died on that day, as reiterated by Interior Security Minister Israel Katz. His biggest ally, US President Donald Trump, has assured that the United States will “leave” Iran “within two or three weeks” and has focused his criticism on France, accusing them of being “very uncooperative” in the war against the Islamic Republic. Additionally, Washington has announced the abduction of an American journalist in Baghdad, and the European Union deems it “necessary” to reduce oil demand in Europe. Here are the key points to remember.

Trump claims the United States will leave Iran “very soon”

The United States will not need to stay in the Middle East for more than “two or three weeks,” according to Donald Trump. The US President affirmed during a press conference in the White House on Tuesday, March 31, that the US will be done “very soon” with the Islamic Republic of Iran. “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we will do it very soon, and they will crumble,” stated the head of state in response to a question about the price of fuel at $4. He added that regime change “was not the goal of the operation,” and that it is possible that a peace agreement may eventually be reached. Regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the US President invited “France and other countries” to “figure it out” if they want oil.

The United States and Israel criticize France

The American President strongly criticized France, accusing them of being “very uncooperative” in the war against Iran. On his Truth Social network, he stated that Paris had refused the flyover of its territory by planes carrying military equipment to Israel, denouncing a decision that complicates American operations in the region. This decision “is in line with the French position since the beginning of this conflict,” reacted the Elysée to France Télévisions. Similar criticisms were made by Israel, which decided to “bring to zero” its military imports from France in response to what it considers a hostile French policy towards the Israeli state, including France’s recognition, in September 2025, of the State of Palestine, and the “recent ban on Israeli planes carrying munitions for the war against Iran from transiting French airspace.”

Israel wants to continue occupying part of southern Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday that following the ongoing operations against Hezbollah, the Israeli army will “establish” itself in a “security zone” in southern Lebanon, on a strip of territory extending to the Litani River, and will maintain security control. According to the Israeli minister, over 600,000 displaced Lebanese towards the north will not be allowed to return to their homes in that region, “as long as the security and safety of the inhabitants of the north” [of Israel] “are not guaranteed.” He also mentioned the systematic destruction of houses in villages near the border, “following the model of Rafah and Beit Hanoun” in the Gaza Strip.

Eight killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon

At least eight people, including a rescuer, were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, announced the Ministry of Health. In separate statements, it was stated that a strike in the region of Tyre claimed the lives of three people and injured 19, while another attack in the region of Sidon resulted in four deaths. A third strike, in the region of Bint Jbeil, hit a gathering point of the Scouts Risala, a relief organization linked to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement, killing a rescuer and injuring 13 people.

Iran is willing “to end” the war but wants guarantees

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran is willing “to end” the war against Israel and the United States, but wants guarantees to “prevent the repetition of aggression.” “We have the necessary will to end” the conflict, “provided that the essential conditions are met, especially the necessary guarantees to prevent the repetition of aggression,” stated the Iranian president during a phone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa. On the other hand, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards state that they will not hesitate to target American companies in the Middle East if any new Iranian official is “assassinated.”

EU deems it “necessary” to reduce oil demand in Europe

The European Commission deemed it “necessary” to reduce oil demand in Europe amid rising prices due to the war in the Middle East. “We are in a situation that could worsen. A demand reduction is necessary, and I strongly encourage member states to take this into account when implementing various crisis measures,” emphasized European Commissioner Dan Jorgensen after a meeting with Energy ministers.

American journalist abducted in Iraq

An American journalist was kidnapped in Iraq by a presumed pro-Iranian group, announced Washington. “An individual with links to the Kata’ib Hezbollah militia, an Iranian ally and presumed involved in the abduction, was arrested by Iraqi authorities,” wrote Deputy Secretary of State Dylan Johnson. The journalist identified was Shelly Kittleson, who collaborates notably with the Middle East specialized website al-Monitor. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) expressed great concern over the abduction, emphasizing that the journalist “was familiar with Iraq.” According to the International Women’s Media Foundation, an NGO, Shelly Kittleson is a “recognized journalist” specializing in the Middle East and is based in Rome.