Asia-Pacific markets trade higher--

Asia-Pacific markets traded higher Friday as investors assess US-Iran diplomatic efforts to reach a peace deal in the Middle East, reports CNBC.

However, Tehran's intention to keep its enriched uranium stockpile within the country, according to a Reuters report, could complicate its negotiations with Washington, as President Donald Trump has made dismantling Iran's nuclear program a central objective of his military action against the country.

Japan's Nikkei 225 ended Friday's session at 2.68% higher at 63,339.07, while the Topix added 1% at 3,892.46. Japan's core inflation eased more than expected in April to its lowest level since March 2022, weakening the case for an early rate hike by the Bank of Japan.

Core inflation -- which strips out prices of fresh food -- came in at 1.4%, lower than the 1.7% expected by economists polled by Reuters and below the 1.8% reading in March.

South Korea's Kospi rose 0.41% to 7,847.71, while the Kosdaq Index jumped nearly 5% to 1,161.13. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.41% at 8,657.