By Daily Times Reporter
DUBAI-Efforts to secure a peace agreement between the United States and Iran showed signs of progress on Friday as mediators pushed both sides closer to a formal framework aimed at ending months of heightened tensions and conflict in the Middle East.
According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, indirect discussions between Tehran and Washington are continuing through mediators, with officials exchanging draft texts and messages in a bid to finalise the structure of a possible agreement.
Sources in Tehran revealed that Pakistani officials are playing a major diplomatic role behind the scenes, engaging in what has been described as “intense mediation activity” between the two rivals. A senior Iranian official reportedly stated that a breakthrough could be close, although another source cautioned that it remains too early to confirm whether a final deal will ultimately be reached.
Speaking earlier on Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there were “some good signs” emerging from the negotiations. However, US President Donald Trump maintained a hardline stance, warning that Washington could take “very drastic” measures if Iran refuses to surrender its uranium stockpiles.
The diplomatic developments come amid continuing instability across the region.
In Gaza, Israel announced that all foreign activists involved in the Gaza aid flotilla had been deported. The move followed widespread international criticism over the treatment of the activists after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also faced condemnation from human rights groups and international observers over the handling of the incident.
Meanwhile, violence continued to escalate along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Israeli air strikes reportedly killed at least six people in southern Lebanon early Friday. Lebanon’s Health Ministry also condemned an Israeli attack on a government hospital that injured nine people, including medical staff.
The latest developments highlight the fragile security situation in the Middle East, where diplomatic efforts toward a US-Iran agreement are unfolding alongside growing humanitarian and military crises across the region.
