The United States and Israel have removed Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf from a designated target list, following intervention by mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, according to media reports.
The development comes amid the ongoing Iran conflict, where Araghchi and Ghalibaf, identified as key Iranian negotiators, were reportedly under consideration as targets by Israel. Plans for potential strikes were in place, but mediators warned Washington that any such action could eliminate the possibility of diplomatic engagement.
According to sources, mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt conveyed to the United States that targeting the two officials would end prospects for high-level negotiations with Iran. Reuters reported that Israeli authorities had precise intelligence on the locations of both officials and intended to act on it.
The mediators advised that eliminating Araghchi and Ghalibaf would leave no viable representatives for dialogue. Following this, the United States instructed Israel to step back, and both officials were removed from the target list for a period of four to five days. The measure is described as temporary but aimed at preserving the possibility of negotiations.
Mediators from Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt are currently attempting to facilitate talks between Washington and Tehran. They have indicated that both sides could engage in discussions in the coming days to explore a cessation of hostilities. However, experts have stated that the likelihood of success remains limited due to significant differences in the positions of the United States and Iran.
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran had been prepared to reach an agreement. In contrast, Tehran has stated that it has no intention of engaging in negotiations to end the war.
Iran has rejected a 15-point proposal presented by the United States, with Iranian officials describing it as unilateral and unacceptable. The rejection indicates that substantial differences remain between the two sides on terms for ending the conflict.
Meanwhile, the US military has focused its attention on Iran’s military infrastructure and missile capabilities. The Pentagon has indicated that potential US actions could target key Iranian sites.
The removal of Araghchi and Ghalibaf from the target list indicates that a diplomatic channel remains open for now. Experts have stated that successful negotiations could reduce tensions in the Middle East and contribute to stability in global energy markets.
Mediators from Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt have emphasized the need for both sides to pursue dialogue, while acknowledging that reconciling the demands of the United States and Iran will be challenging.
