Washington/Tehran: The United States privately warned Iran that Israel was allegedly considering targeting two of Tehran’s top negotiators during sensitive peace negotiations earlier this year, according to reports citing current and former U.S. officials. The reported warning reflected Washington’s concern that such an attack could derail diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the reports, the officials believed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf could have been potential targets while they were leading high-level negotiations with U.S. representatives. American officials reportedly conveyed the warning to Tehran through indirect channels, urging Iranian authorities to take additional security precautions.
The reported warning came as the Trump administration was pursuing diplomacy to secure a ceasefire, revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials feared that the assassination of senior Iranian negotiators could trigger a wider regional conflict and permanently damage diplomatic efforts.
Reports also indicate that the concerns were especially acute during Ghalibaf’s visit to Pakistan in April. U.S. officials said Iranian security agencies received intelligence suggesting Israeli fighter aircraft might attempt to target his return flight. The aircraft reportedly made an emergency landing in Mashhad, after which Ghalibaf travelled overland to Tehran under heightened security.
Neither the U.S. government nor Israeli officials have publicly confirmed the alleged assassination plans. However, the reports highlight growing differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over the handling of Iran during a period when the United States was prioritising diplomatic engagement while Israel maintained pressure on Tehran’s leadership.
Despite the reported security threats, negotiations between the United States and Iran continued through multiple rounds of talks in Qatar, Switzerland, and other venues, eventually leading to further discussions on regional security, sanctions and maritime stability.
The revelations underscore the fragile nature of Middle East diplomacy, where military tensions, intelligence operations and political negotiations continue to unfold simultaneously, leaving regional stability highly dependent on sustained diplomatic engagement.
