Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon starting 16 April 2026. The deal followed separate discussions with President Joseph Aoun and PM Netanyahu to pause the month-long conflict. Gunfire was heard in Beirut's southern suburbs shortly after the truce began at midnight.

- Generated by AI

The Lebanese army reported ceasefire violations through intermittent shelling shortly after the midnight deadline. PM Netanyahu described the truce as a "historic peace" opportunity while maintaining troops in southern Lebanon. Israel struck hundreds of Hezbollah targets in the final 24 hours before the pause.

- Generated by AI

● Bursa Performance: Bursa Malaysia rebounded on 17 April 2026, with the FBM KLCI gaining 0.37% to close at 1,689.71 points.

● Drivers: The uptrend followed record highs on Wall Street and stronger-than-expected China 1Q2026 GDP growth of 5.0%, alongside renewed optimism over the U.S.-Iran peace deal.

● Ringgit Strength: The Ringgit edged higher against the U.S. Dollar ahead of Malaysia's 1Q2026 GDP release, with markets anticipating robust growth of 5.5%.

● Oil Prices: Brent crude dipped toward $98 per barrel on the ceasefire news, but markets remained cautious due to ongoing U.S. naval blockades of Iranian ports.

- Generated by AI

Trump posted on Truth Social expressing hope that Hezbollah "acts nicely and well" during the 10-day period. He suggested that adhering to the truce would be a "GREAT moment" for the group to end the killing. Trump reiterated his desire for a final peace meeting in Washington next week.

- Generated by AI

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the 10-day pause and urged all parties to show full respect for the agreement. The UN called for adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilians in northern Israel and Lebanon. Peacekeeping missions remain ready to support the full implementation of Resolution 1701.

- Generated by AI

Trump claimed Iran agreed to hand over its enriched uranium supply, which he termed "nuclear dust" buried underground. This follows Pakistani-mediated talks to recover material following earlier US airstrikes. Trump expressed optimism that a significant deal to end the six-week war is now close.

- Generated by AI

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed reports that the US requested an extension to the current US-Iran truce. The existing ceasefire is scheduled to expire on 22 April 2026. Officials stated that claims of a formal request to prolong the arrangement are currently untrue.

- Generated by AI

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that US forces are "locked and loaded" to strike Iran's energy industry. The US military is currently enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, turning back 14 ships. Commanders stated they are ready to resume major combat operations at a moment's notice.

- Generated by AI

1. What is the significance of the Litani River in this ceasefire?

The Litani River serves as a strategic boundary; Israel has historically demanded that Hezbollah forces withdraw north of this line to create a security zone in southern Lebanon.

2. How has the Strait of Hormuz impacted global oil prices during the 2026 Iran war?

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil transit; recent closures by Iran during the conflict led to a 13% surge in prices before the current ceasefire negotiations.

3. Why is Pakistan acting as the primary mediator between the US and Iran?

Pakistan maintains diplomatic ties with both Washington and Tehran, utilizing its neutral status to host peace talks and relay 10-point peace proposals between the warring nations.

- Generated by AI