Explained | Why Trump’s 15-point Iran agenda may not work

Washington’s proposed 15-point framework to halt the US-Iran-Israel conflict is unlikely to gain traction, with former diplomats warning that its core demands are unacceptable to Tehran. The plan, which includes a temporary ceasefire and strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme, is seen as overly ambitious and disconnected from ground realities.

Former diplomat Rajiv Dogra said the proposal is fundamentally flawed, arguing that “none of it would be acceptable to Iran,” particularly demands to hand over nuclear material and curb missile capabilities. He added that the approach reflects an attempt to pressure rather than negotiate, noting Trump “thinks he can deceive the Iranians.”

Concerns are also mounting over parallel military signalling. Dogra cautioned that even a larger troop presence would struggle against Iran’s scale and resolve, calling it “a force for slaughter.”

Former diplomat Ashok Sajjanhar echoed the scepticism, saying limited troop deployments would not alter the balance. “It is not a workable exercise,” he said, highlighting Iran’s manpower, terrain advantage and entrenched military infrastructure.

He added that Washington may be “buying time” as the conflict turns into a “war of attrition” and a “quagmire,” suggesting the proposal is unlikely to deliver a substantive breakthrough.