US officials were concerned that Israel might attempt to assassinate Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during peace negotiations, according to a report. The fear reportedly grew after a ceasefire was declared, with Washington concerned such action could jeopardize the talks.
The report, circulated Friday morning, cites unnamed US officials who expressed concern that Israel was considering targeting the two senior Iranian figures during ongoing peace negotiations. The concern was particularly acute following the declaration of a ceasefire, with officials warning that an assassination attempt could derail the talks. The development follows earlier reporting by The New Zioneer that the New York Times, citing US intelligence, reported that Washington believed Israel was preparing to target Araghchi and Ghalibaf — and that Ghalibaf's aircraft made an emergency landing after Tehran received intelligence of an Israeli strike plot. This new report, from a single unverified source, echoes those earlier concerns but adds the timing-specific detail of potential action 'during peace negotiations.' The report has not been confirmed by Israeli or US officials.
2 developments
- StrongNYT: Ghalibaf's aircraft made emergency landing after intelligence of Israeli strike plot
- DevelopingUS intelligence warns of potential surprise Iranian attack on Israel
- DevelopingIranians mock Ghalibaf and Araghchi in face of Trump
- StrongIranian parliament speaker threatens US, Israeli assets in region
Source and signal
- Internal intake