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Israel launched a heavy air assault on Lebanon hours after a US–Iran ceasefire was announced, killing over 250 people. Conflicting interpretations of the truce's scope have emerged, with Israel and the US saying it excludes Hezbollah, while Pakistan and Iran argue for an inclusive ceasefire. The strikes hit dense civilian areas in Beirut, drawing international condemnation.
Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem reopened to Palestinian worshippers after a 40-day closure by Israel, drawing thousands for prayers. The reopening followed a truce in the US-Israeli war on Iran, but tensions remain as Israeli settlers and police presence continue to affect the site.
Seoul shares fell over 1.5% on Thursday, ending a four-day rally as investors weighed conflicting US and Iranian statements about a two-week ceasefire. The KOSPI dropped 94.33 points, with tech and defense stocks leading declines, while the won weakened against the dollar.
President Trump’s abrupt decision to accept a two-week ceasefire with Iran, after threatening to destroy Iranian civilization, has sparked debate over his negotiating strategy and the limits of US leverage. While some hail the deal as a diplomatic victory, others question the sustainability of such high-stakes brinkmanship.
Japan is considering releasing a 20-day oil stock from its reserves in May, according to Kyodo News, on top of the 45-day supply already released in mid-March. The move comes as the country, which relies on the Middle East for about 95% of its oil, braces for possible prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts and officials also warn of LNG shortages and potential power outages as summer approaches.
South Korean shares declined Thursday morning as uncertainty over the US-Iran ceasefire deal weighed on investor sentiment. The KOSPI fell nearly 1 percent, with tech giants like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix leading losses, while oil refiners gained on rebounding crude prices.
A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran has halted 39 days of conflict, but the agreement leaves many questions unresolved. The death of Iran's supreme leader and significant military losses are confirmed, yet the war's long-term strategic impact and the potential for the Strait of Hormuz to become a permanent leverage point remain uncertain.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged all parties to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon, as the fragile truce between the United States and Iran enters its second day. The call comes as Israel launches a major bombardment of Lebanon, raising concerns the conflict could derail the two-week ceasefire agreement.
President Lee Jae Myung has urged a fundamental overhaul of South Korea's economic system, citing rising oil prices and inflationary pressures from the Middle East war. He framed the crisis as an opportunity for structural reform, as separate reports noted diplomatic efforts and North Korean military activities.
In the deadliest day of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 254 people across Lebanon, hours after a US-Iran ceasefire was announced. Disagreements over whether Lebanon was covered by the truce have fueled continued violence, with thousands displaced and a humanitarian crisis worsening.
US Vice President JD Vance has stated that Lebanon was not included in the US-Iran ceasefire, calling Iran's insistence on its inclusion a 'legitimate misunderstanding.' The remarks come as Pakistan, which mediated the truce, insists Lebanon is covered, and as Israel continues strikes in Lebanon. The disagreement threatens the fragile two-week ceasefire.
The South Korean won has experienced sharp fluctuations against the U.S. dollar as ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran progress and stall. Reports indicate initial agreement on a two-week truce, followed by disagreements over terms and renewed threats, impacting oil prices and market sentiment.
A two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran appears fragile as Tehran again closes the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, while Washington demands the waterway be reopened. Both sides claim victory, but unresolved issues such as Iran's nuclear capabilities and regional strikes persist, according to multiple reports.
Israeli air strikes on central Beirut and other parts of Lebanon on Wednesday killed at least 182 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, marking the deadliest single-day toll in the Israel-Hezbollah war. The attacks came as a shaky ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran took effect, with Iranian officials insisting the deal should have included Lebanon, while Israel and the U.S. deny this. Reports describe heavy bombardment, with Israel saying it struck around 100 targets in just 10 minutes.
President Donald Trump met NATO chief Mark Rutte amid reports he is considering punishing allies who declined to support the US war with Iran, including moving US troops. Rutte acknowledged Trump's disappointment while defending European contributions.
US Vice President JD Vance said Israel offered to restrain strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon to help the Iran ceasefire succeed, but clarified Lebanon was never part of the deal, despite Iranian expectations. The fragile truce faces challenges as attacks continue in the Gulf and Lebanon, and Vance urged Iran to enter good-faith talks.
Pakistan mounted a frantic overnight diplomatic push to secure a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, after talks nearly collapsed following an Iranian strike on a Saudi petrochemical facility. The ceasefire, announced in the early hours of Wednesday, averts a catastrophic escalation and sets the stage for peace talks in Islamabad this Saturday.
Barrister Salman Safdar met PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail after the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to arrange the meeting. Safdar reported that Imran's eye complication continues with major impairment. Separately, the opposition alliance TTAP announced nationwide gatherings on April 25.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed Tehran's participation in peace talks with the US, to be hosted by Pakistan. Delegations from both sides are expected in Islamabad on Friday, following a ceasefire announcement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the delegations to further negotiate a conclusive agreement.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned of a fitting response if Israeli strikes against Lebanese territory are not halted, following an Israeli operation that hit over 100 targets and killed at least 80 people. Reports also suggest Iran is considering retaliatory strikes, amid a ceasefire agreed with the US that has been strained by continuing attacks.