Paris, Apr 1 (V7N) – Three explosions struck Beirut’s southern suburbs early Wednesday, with smoke seen rising from the Jnah district. The Israeli army said it targeted a senior Hezbollah commander and another top member of the Iran-backed group.

US President Donald Trump said American forces could end operations in Iran “very soon,” suggesting a timeline of two to three weeks while negotiations continue alongside airstrikes.

Pope Leo XIV expressed hope that Trump is seeking to end the conflict, urging a reduction in violence and bombing.

At least eight people, including a paramedic, were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, according to authorities. Casualties were reported in Tyre, Sidon and Bint Jbeil districts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the campaign against Iran would continue, vowing to “crush” what he described as a terror regime.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran has the “necessary will” to end the war but seeks guarantees to prevent future conflict escalation.

Multiple blasts were reported in central Tehran, with air defence systems activated as US-Israeli strikes continued into their fifth week.

The United Nations rights chief condemned Israel’s new death penalty law targeting Palestinians, warning it could constitute a war crime if applied in occupied territories.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Israel’s troop deployment in Lebanon as an “illegal invasion” violating sovereignty.

The European Union called on member states to reduce fuel consumption amid rising energy prices triggered by the conflict.

A UN source said Israeli fire likely killed an Indonesian peacekeeper over the weekend, as investigations continue into the incident.

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