WASHINGTON D.C., United States – Web Desk: Prominent U.S. newspapers The New York Times and The Washington Post have reported that American officials were concerned earlier this year that Israel was planning to assassinate key Iranian negotiators in a bid to derail ongoing diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran .
According to the reports, U.S. officials stated that Israel had developed plans to potentially target Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf . An American official told The Washington Post that killing such leaders would weaken relatively moderate and diplomatic solution-oriented elements within Iran, severely damaging the negotiation process.
The reports further stated that the United States, in light of this potential threat, contacted certain Middle Eastern countries and asked them to inform Iran to take preventive measures against possible attacks. U.S. media also claimed that Israel has historically pursued a policy of targeting individuals or groups involved in negotiation processes during various conflicts.
The report also referenced an October incident when the Israeli military attacked a Hamas compound in Doha, Qatar, where representatives were reviewing a ceasefire proposal. Israeli officials did not issue a formal response on the matter, while U.S. authorities also neither confirmed nor denied the allegations officially.
Experts warn that such actions could not only impact Iran-U.S. negotiations but could also lead to increased tensions across the Middle East .
