US Warns Iran of Possible Israeli Assassination Attempts on Top Officials During Sensitive Talks

According to a report by The New York Times, US officials warned Iran that Israel might attempt to assassinate two senior Iranian figures, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, amid sensitive negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The concerns arose during the spring talks aimed at advancing an interim agreement, with fears that Israel viewed these officials as legitimate targets in the ongoing conflict. The US relayed warnings to Iran through regional intermediaries to prevent any Israeli attacks that could derail the negotiations.

The report states that as talks progressed from April, American apprehensions grew, fearing that an Israeli strike could collapse the peace efforts and reignite hostilities. Despite these concerns, Israel and the US temporarily removed Araghchi and Qalibaf from assassination target lists in late March to facilitate the dialogue. Following a ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding, negotiations continued.

Ahead of Qalibaf's planned visit to Islamabad for related meetings, Tehran feared Israel might exploit the opportunity to carry out an attack. Iran demanded guarantees from the US, via Pakistan and Qatar, that no Israeli action would occur. The Pakistani Air Force escorted the Iranian delegation's flights to and from the border. Intelligence later indicated a possible Israeli plan to strike Qalibaf's plane, including reports of Israeli fighter jets entering Iranian airspace near Iraq. This led to an emergency landing in Mashhad, with the delegation completing their journey to Tehran by road.

These developments highlight the fragile nature of the US-Iran negotiations and the complex regional dynamics involving Israel's security concerns and Iran's diplomatic efforts.