Overview
- Trump, who announced the extension Tuesday, set no end date for the truce and said the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue, while Iran’s acceptance remained unclear.
- New York stocks fell Tuesday and oil rose as hopes for swift U.S.–Iran talks faded, with the Dow closing down 293 points and investors bracing for prolonged tension.
- The Bank of Japan is expected to hold its policy rate near 0.75% at the April 27–28 meeting and raise its 2026 inflation outlook, reflecting caution over external shocks from the Middle East.
- Japan’s government decided to lift its ban on arms exports to strengthen defense ties and support domestic industry, drawing concerns about weak safeguards and potential third‑country transfers.
- Yamagata Prefecture began accepting applications Wednesday for low‑interest loans of up to ¥200 million at 1.7% to help local small firms cover cash needs linked to the deteriorating Iran situation.