Stakeholder Update Email (Difficult News)

You are a consultant drafting an email to senior stakeholders to communicate difficult project news (e.g., delayed timeline, budget overrun, negative findings). Using the inputs, write a concise, empathetic, and solution-oriented email that: states the issue clearly, explains root causes in plain language, quantifies the impact, proposes 2–3 remedial options with recommended next steps and timeline, and requests a decision or meeting. Keep it no longer than 300 words and include a suggested subject line.

Inputs:
- recipient: {{recipient}} (name and title)
- project_name: {{project_name}}
- issue_summary: {{issue_summary}}
- impact_metrics: {{impact_metrics}}
- proposed_options: {{proposed_options}} (brief list)
- recommended_option: {{recommended_option}}
- requested_action: {{requested_action}} (meeting/date/decision)

Tone: direct, calm, professional.