Washington privately alerted Tehran that Israeli officials might consider assassinating senior Iranian negotiators – foreign minister Hossein Amir‑Abdollahian (referred to as Araghchi in the source) and parliament speaker Mohammad‑Bagher Ghalibaf – during ongoing peace talks. U.S. officials said they feared such killings could derail diplomatic efforts and reignite broader conflict, and they urged Israel not to target Iran’s political leadership.
The warning was conveyed through back‑channel communications, according to senior U.S. officials briefed on the matter. The United States expressed concern that Israeli actions aimed at eliminating key Iranian figures would undermine the fragile negotiations that have been underway since early 2026 to address nuclear and regional security issues.
Israeli officials have not publicly responded to the allegation. Meanwhile, Iranian leadership has not confirmed receiving any such warning, but the report suggests a growing divergence between Washington, which continues to promote a negotiated settlement, and Jerusalem, which has historically favored a more hard‑line stance toward Tehran.
The episode comes as the United States and Israel navigate differing approaches to Iran’s regional behavior. U.S. diplomats have emphasized the importance of keeping diplomatic channels open, whereas Israeli security circles have reportedly viewed certain Iranian officials as existential threats.
Analysis:
If accurate, the U.S. warning underscores a rare instance of direct friction between the two allies over Iran policy. By cautioning Israel against targeted killings, Washington appears to prioritize the stability of the negotiation process over Israel’s security calculus. The alleged Israeli intent to eliminate high‑profile Iranian officials, if true, would represent a significant escalation that could provoke Tehran to abandon talks and resume hostile activities, potentially destabilizing the broader Middle East. The lack of an official Israeli comment leaves the claim unverified, and Iranian authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the report. Observers will watch closely for any shift in Israel’s operational posture or a formal response from Tehran that could affect the trajectory of the peace talks.
Sources:
Times of India – “US warned Iran of alleged Israeli plot to kill negotiators; Araghchi, Ghalibaf among targets,” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/us-warned-iran-of-alleged-israeli-plot-to-kill-negotiators-araghchi-ghalibaf-among-targets/articleshow/132151748.cms
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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