Iran on Monday sharply rejected the United States’ 15-point proposal to end the war, calling it “extremely ambitious”, “unusual” and “illogical”, while also describing US threats to target Iranian infrastructure as a “war crime”.
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had already finalised its own set of demands in response to recent proposals carried through intermediaries, but would disclose them only when necessary. His remarks mark one of Iran’s strongest public pushbacks yet against Washington’s reported framework to halt the conflict and curb Tehran’s nuclear and regional posture.
“A few days ago, they put forward proposals through intermediaries, and the 15-point US plan was reflected through Pakistan and some other friendly countries,” Baghaei said, according to IRNA news agency.
He said the proposals were “extremely ambitious, unusual, and illogical”.
Baghaei added that Iran had prepared its own framework based on national interest and security considerations. “Based on our own interests, based on our own considerations, we codified the set of demands that we had and have,” he said.
He also rejected any suggestion that engaging through mediators reflected weakness on Tehran’s part. “The fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran presents its views very quickly and bravely in response to a plan should not be considered a sign of surrendering to the enemy,” he said.
What Trump’s US 15-point plan sought
The US proposal, first reported late last month, laid out a broad roadmap to end the war and dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme. According to earlier reports, it called for Iran to shut down its key nuclear facilities, stop uranium enrichment on its soil, hand over enriched material under a timetable, and accept full access for the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The reported framework also sought limits on Iran’s missile programme, a halt to support for proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In return, it reportedly offered relief from nuclear-related sanctions and US backing for a monitored civilian nuclear programme in Bushehr.
Iran had earlier responded through intermediaries with its own five-point position, including demands linked to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, an end to assassinations of its leaders, inclusion of “resistance groups” in any peace arrangement, and reparations for war damage.
Baghaei on Monday also condemned US threats to strike Iran’s energy and industrial facilities, saying such statements themselves amounted to a violation of international law.
“Regarding the threats against us, without a doubt, the very act of making such threats is a war crime,” he said.
He accused Washington of discussing attacks on “energy and industrial infrastructure” while giving Israel “the green light to attack civilian targets”, and said such actions would amount to war crimes under international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The Iranian spokesperson said diplomacy would continue alongside military resistance. “While our defenders are bravely sacrificing their lives, the diplomatic apparatus is also doing its job. Our basis and criterion are national interests, national security, and the legitimate demands of the Iranians,” he said.
He also warned other countries against assisting the United States in any military action against Iran, saying any such cooperation would carry legal consequences.
“All countries should know that any cooperation and collaboration with the US in committing its crimes must be held accountable and held accountable as a war crime and a crime against humanity,” Baghaei said.
The remarks come as backchannel efforts involving regional intermediaries continue, but with both sides still appearing far apart on the terms of any ceasefire or broader settlement.