Iran Rejects US Peace Plan: Why a Blow to National Pride & Distrust?
Jakarta – Iran has rejected a 15-point peace proposal from the United States, raising questions about the motivations behind the offer and the prospects for de-escalation in the region. According to international relations expert Teuku Rezasyah, the proposal is perceived in Tehran as an affront to Iranian national pride and a continuation of a pattern of bad faith on the part of Washington.
“The 15 points put forward by the US clearly diminish Iran’s dignity as a sovereign nation with a 4,000-year-old civilization and rich heritage,” Rezasyah told reporters on . He further asserted that Iran views the US as consistently undermining agreements reached through negotiation.
“Based on past experiences negotiating with the US, it has grow evident that Washington invariably sabotages any agreements reached,” Rezasyah added. “This ranges from unilateral withdrawals to actions that contradict international law, particularly concerning Iran’s adherence to it.”
Rezasyah suggests the US initiative may be less about genuine peacemaking and more about domestic political maneuvering. He posits that the proposal serves as a public relations campaign aimed at bolstering the US administration’s credibility both at home and abroad, potentially deflecting attention from impeachment threats and addressing a deteriorating national economy.
“It also serves as a means to restore US global leadership, which is currently being questioned by its own allies,” Rezasyah stated. He also believes the plan could be intended to create divisions within the Iranian government and society, undermining national unity in confronting the US and Israel.
Details of the Trump Administration’s Proposed Peace Plan
While the full text of the 15-point plan remains undisclosed, details have begun to emerge through international media reports. According to Israel’s Channel 12 news, the proposal includes a series of stringent demands on Iran.
The core of the plan centers on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. It calls for a firm commitment from Iran to never pursue nuclear weapons, the dismantling of all nuclear facilities, and the transfer of enriched uranium stockpiles to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for monitoring.
Beyond nuclear issues, the proposal demands limitations on Iran’s ballistic missile program, encompassing both range and quantity. It also requires Iran to cease funding for regional proxy groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
A key element of the plan involves ensuring the free passage of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies. The proposal seeks to establish the strait as a “free maritime corridor,” addressing concerns that its closure could disrupt energy markets and trigger a global recession.
In exchange for these concessions, the US reportedly offers to assist in the development of a nuclear project in Bushehr, intended for civilian electricity generation. The plan promises the lifting of all international sanctions imposed on Iran.
These sanctions were fully reinstated in November following Iran’s suspension of IAEA inspections, a move triggered by alleged bombings of Iranian nuclear sites and military installations attributed to the US and Israel.
The rejection of the US proposal comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. On , Iran launched attacks on several US military bases in the region, reportedly causing billions of dollars in damage. Analysis suggests the attacks resulted in approximately 13.5 trillion yen (approximately $87.5 million USD as of March 27, 2026) in damage, according to recent assessments.
The situation remains fluid, and the implications of Iran’s rejection of the US proposal are far-reaching. The move underscores the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations and casts doubt on the possibility of a near-term resolution to their long-standing conflict. The international community will be closely watching for any further developments, as the stability of the Middle East hangs in the balance.
The rejection also highlights the complex internal dynamics within Iran, where hardliners are likely to view any concessions to the US as a betrayal of the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary principles. The Trump administration’s attempt to circumvent these internal obstacles through a direct appeal to the Iranian people appears to have failed, at least for now.
The future trajectory of US-Iran relations remains uncertain. While diplomatic channels remain open, the current impasse suggests that a return to the negotiating table will require a significant shift in approach from both sides. The potential for further escalation remains a serious concern, and the international community must perform to prevent a wider conflict in the region.