Iran slams US ‘15-point plan’, warns of ‘false-flag’ threat and wider war; ‘we will never be humiliated’

Iran has sharply escalated its rhetoric against the United States and Israel, warning of a potential widening of the ongoing regional conflict and accusing Washington of pushing a controversial “15-point plan” that Tehran claims masks deeper military intentions. In strongly worded remarks carried by state media, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the US is seeking through diplomacy what it “failed to achieve in war”, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that attempts could be made to trigger broader confrontation, including through so-called “false-flag operations”. The developments come as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to the proposal, with tensions continuing to simmer across the Middle East.

‘Negotiations or cover for invasion?’ Iran questions US intent

Ghalibaf’s remarks mark one of the clearest public rejections of the US-backed framework so far. According to Iranian state media, he accused Washington and Israel of using diplomatic language as a façade for more aggressive military designs.

“The enemy talks of negotiations but plans a ground invasion,” Ghalibaf said, referring to the US proposal as a “15-point list” designed to extract concessions Iran did not concede during years of conflict. He added that Iranian forces remain prepared for any escalation, asserting, “We will never be humiliated.”

The statement reflects deep mistrust within Tehran’s leadership over Western intentions, particularly at a time when indirect channels of communication remain active but fragile.

Iran flags ‘false-flag operations’ risk, warns of wider war

In parallel, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning about possible escalation tactics. During a phone call with Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis, Araghchi alleged that the US and Israel could attempt to expand the conflict beyond current theatres.

He warned that such expansion could involve drawing other countries into hostilities or staging “false-flag operations” - incidents designed to appear as though they were carried out by another party, thereby justifying further military action.

Araghchi described ongoing actions against Iran as “unprovoked aggression” and stressed that any attempt to widen the conflict would have serious consequences not just for the region, but for global stability.

International law, third countries and growing diplomatic pressure

Iran also invoked international law in its response, urging countries to ensure their territories are not used to support military operations against Tehran. Araghchi emphasised that nations have a legal obligation to prevent their land, airspace or resources from being used in acts of aggression.

He warned that any country facilitating such actions could be viewed as complicit, a statement that appears aimed at regional allies of the US as well as NATO partners with strategic presence near key waterways.

The warning signals Iran’s attempt to internationalise the issue diplomatically, even as military tensions remain high.

US awaits response to ‘15-point plan’ as talks hang in balance

On the US side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Washington is still awaiting Tehran’s formal response to the proposed framework. Speaking after a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, Rubio said signals from Iran suggest a willingness to engage, but key questions remain unresolved.

“We’ve had an exchange of messages… but who we will be talking to, what we will be talking about, and when - that is still unclear,” he said, adding that clarity could emerge “at any moment”.

The proposal - described as a “15-point plan” - is seen as a potential roadmap to de-escalation, though details have not been made public. Iran’s strong reaction, however, suggests significant gaps between the two sides.

Strait of Hormuz, regional flashpoints and rising stakes

The tensions also have implications for the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. Iran has indicated it is tightening security in the area while ensuring commercial shipping continues.