Fifteen points

The United States sent Iran a 15-point peace proposal through Pakistan. Tehran "responded negatively," state media reported, citing a senior political-security official who spoke of a counterproposal: a complete halt to "aggression and assassinations" and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. A diplomatic source told Al Jazeera that Tehran views the plan as "extremely maximalist and unreasonable".

Trump said Monday there had been "very good and productive conversations" with Iran. Araghchi responded today that the US is sending messages through various mediators, which "does not mean negotiations". He added that Washington's shift in tone amounts to an admission of failure, after having demanded Tehran's "unconditional surrender." An Iranian military spokesman mocked the overtures, saying the Americans "are only negotiating with themselves".

The White House is working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan. Trump said Vance, Rubio, Witkoff and Kushner are involved in the discussions. The IAEA chief said talks could happen soon in Pakistan. China pressed Araghchi to accept: "Talking is always better than fighting." But while back-channel diplomacy continues, so do the bombs. Today brought strikes on Tehran, Tel Aviv, Riyadh, Kuwait and Bahrain. The 15-point plan exists, and so does Iran's response. What does not yet exist is a table to sit at.