U.S. Signals Modest Progress in Iran Talks Amid Reports of Potential New Strikes

The U.S.-Iran conflict entered a complex phase over the last 24 hours as Washington balanced diplomatic cautiousness with military readiness. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged modest progress in indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan but emphasized that a deal is not yet imminent. While Tehran's latest proposal was reportedly better received by the Trump administration than previous versions, U.S. media reports indicate that the White House continues to weigh fresh military strikes to maintain pressure. Regional and international actors are stepping up efforts to prevent further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday to lead high-level mediation, signifying that the crisis has reached a strategic military level. Simultaneously, France has introduced a draft UN Security Council resolution to create an international maritime mission to secure the strait, as global oil prices continue to react to the threat of waterway closures. Current negotiations have increasingly centered on maritime security and freedom of navigation. The U.S. and Bahrain are currently pushing for UN language that would require Iran to cease all mining and hostile activities in the strait. While the gap between Washington and Tehran is reportedly narrowing, the Trump administration maintains its stance that the waterway must remain free of tolls and Iranian interference.