The U.S. says it is in talks to end its war with Iran, including circulating a 15-point peace plan.
However, Iran has denied any negotiations are taking place, despite reports of messages being passed through intermediaries such as Pakistan.
Here’s a timeline of what the U.S. and Iran have been saying this week.
Context
Saturday marks one month since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran after negotiations about the country’s nuclear capabilities broke down.
In recent days, the U.S. has circulated a proposed 15-point peace plan – including ending Iran’s nuclear program and limiting its missile capabilities.
Iran, meanwhile, says it won’t engage unless the U.S. and Israel pay for damages their strikes caused, and recognises its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Timeline
Tuesday afternoon (D.C. time): Speaking to reporters in his office, U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration was speaking to the “right people” in Iran, and that the Iranian regime wants a deal.
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Wednesday morning: Citing a senior official, Iranian state television reported: “Iran will end the war at a time of its own choosing only if its own conditions are met.”
“Iran will not allow U.S. President Trump to dictate the timing of the end of the war. No negotiations will be held prior to that.”
Wednesday afternoon: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran will be “hit harder than they have ever been hit before” if the regime refuses negotiations. Leavitt added that Trump is “prepared to unleash hell” if Iran “miscalculates again”.
Two hours later: In a post to Telegram and an appearance on state TV, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied negotiations were underway.
Araghchi acknowledged the U.S. and Iran have been talking through intermediaries in recent days, but called this “simply sending messages”.
Wednesday night: Following Araghchi’s comments, Trump spoke at a fundraising event in Washington D.C.
He said Iran is negotiating, and its representatives “want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people.”
Thursday morning: Pakistani officials said the U.S. has sent a peace proposal to Iran and is awaiting a response.
