US-Iran Deal Poised to Reshape Region as Blair Steps Up Gaza Role

Trump pushes Netanyahu to accept agreement; Blair takes larger role in struggling Board of Peace.

US-Iran Deal Poised to Reshape Region as Blair Steps Up Gaza Role — Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is taking on a larger role in the US-led Board of Peace overseeing postwar Gaza, as the body struggles to advance its plan despite a ceasefire and hostage deal last September.[^1] The development comes amid a flurry of US-Iran diplomatic activity that is reshaping regional dynamics: a senior American official said Trump informed Netanyahu that an agreement with Iran is expected within days, adding that 'Bibi probably understood that an agreement was going to happen, and that he couldn't stop it.'[^2] Washington is preparing a 'performance-based' deal with Tehran, under which the United Arab Emirates has agreed to release up to $20 billion to Iran.[^3] Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi insisted that 'Iran is the winner of the war with the US' and demanded uranium dilution only within Iran, while the US conditions any relief on tangible steps.[^4] Meanwhile, American forces intercepted Iranian attack drones attempting to strike commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz,[^5] and the US deported an Iranian regime opponent to the Central African Republic—a move her attorney described as 'extremely dangerous.'[^6] Separately, four Palestine Action activists were sentenced to 5–8 years in Britain for breaking into an Elbit factory in Bristol, causing over $1 million in damage; police arrested 107 protesters outside court. The conviction underscores the volatility surrounding Israel-related activism even as the US pushes for a grand diplomatic settlement. Whether the Iran deal—expected to be signed this weekend or Monday—can survive the deep mutual distrust between Washington and Tehran, and between Israel and Iran, remains the central open question. Violent Crime Surge: From Haifa Park Attack to Foiled Assassination — A 72-year-old Haifa resident was arrested today after he allegedly photographed a minor girl in Meruba Park and then attacked her mother with a hammer, police said.[^1] The incident occurred as Israeli police also foiled an assassination attempt on a senior crime figure in the Lachish area, neutralizing an explosive device attached to his vehicle.[