(LEAD) S. Korean currency unchanged ahead of U.S.-Iran talks

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SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean won remained flat against the U.S. dollar Friday as markets awaited upcoming talks between the United States and Iran following a ceasefire agreement.

The won closed at 1,482.5 per dollar, unchanged from the previous session. It strengthened at the open but later pared gains.

Markets are focused on high-stakes talks between the U.S. and Iran scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, the first meeting between the two sides since they agreed to a two-week ceasefire earlier this week.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a deal on Thursday, while warning Iran over continued disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sentiment was also supported by reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had authorized direct talks with Lebanon "as soon as possible" aimed at disarming Hezbollah, though he earlier said there was no ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

The dollar index rose 0.12 percent to 98.94.

The Bank of Korea (BOK) on Thursday kept its benchmark rate steady at 2.5 percent amid heightened uncertainty surrounding Iran.

BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong said the won could strengthen "quickly" to pre-conflict levels if the situation in the Middle East stabilizes.

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