Good morning from the Financial Times.
Today is Friday, April 17th, and this is your FT News Briefing.
There 's been progress towards a longer-lasting truce in the Middle East,
and there 's something more appealing to investors than U.S. Treasuries right now,
plus an FT exclusive on a Chinese satellite that helped Iran target American bases.
I'm Sonia Hudson, and here's the news you need to start your day.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10 day ceasefire yesterday.
The two countries started negotiations in Washington earlier this week.
They were the first direct talks between the neighboring nations in over 40 years.
But many analysts thought it wouldn't really lead to anything.
The truce raises hopes that a more lasting peace between Washington and Tehran could be on the way.
Israel's bombardment of Lebanon has been a big sticking point in negotiations.
But the U.S.
And Iran have not resumed talks yet.
Trump yesterday said they could restart over the weekend.
And it's looking very good that we're going to make a deal with Iran.
And it's going to be a good deal.
It's going to be a deal with no nuclear weapons.
Trump's comments come as his defense secretary said the Pentagon will restart military operations
against Iran if they do n't agree to a deal.