Hong Kong internet and tech stocks opened broadly lower: Baidu (09888.HK) down 4.77%, Alibaba (09988.HK) down 3.76%; Tencent Holdings (00700.HK), JD.com (09618.HK) and other names also opened lower.

The New York Times, citing five people, reports Iran is reviewing a package of detailed nuclear proposals from mediators, signaling progress in Qatar-led US–Iran diplomacy. Qatar held two rounds in Tehran, a third in Doha and engaged Iranian officials in Armenia over the past week; US Vice President Vance has pushed the talks. Publicly Iran says it will not negotiate until the US meets its conditions, but insiders say senior security official Rezaei has privately shown greater openness. Iran’s principal demands are asset unfreezing, removal of oil sanctions and lifting of a US maritime blockade on Iranian ports; the main impasse is disposition of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile — Washington (per Trump-era demands) has sought transfer of the stockpile, while Iran rejects export and has discussed domestic dilution under international inspectors. Separately, US and Israeli military planning has produced target lists that include energy and key economic infrastructure; Iran warns it would broaden retaliation if attacked and senior leaders have discussed withdrawing from the NPT. Gulf states, citing economic risk, have urged a diplomatic resolution, with UAE presidential adviser Gargash calling for talks.

Korea Exchange activated the sidecar mechanism on the KOSPI index, suspending program trading for 5 minutes.