US Warned Iran of Israeli Plot to Assassinate Negotiators

The United States was reportedly concerned that Israel may have planned to assassinate top Iranian negotiators, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a move that could have jeopardized ongoing peace talks between Washington and Tehran. According to a report by The New York Times, citing American officials, Washington relayed these concerns to Tehran, urging them to be aware of potential threats.

Divergent Objectives in Talks

The alleged Israeli plot is seen in the context of increasingly divergent objectives between the US and Israel concerning Iran. While Washington has been seeking a diplomatic settlement, Israel has reportedly favored continued military pressure and conflict. This has led to a complex geopolitical landscape, with US intelligence suggesting Israeli intentions to disrupt the negotiation process.

The report highlights that Ghalibaf and Araghchi took over the lead negotiating roles after a series of significant events. Earlier instances of alleged Israeli actions included the deaths of Iran's top national security advisor, Ali Larijani, and former Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi, both of whom were involved in prior discussions with the US. The article also mentions earlier strikes attributed to the US and Israel in late February that resulted in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other high-ranking officials.

Fragile Negotiation Period

Despite the underlying tensions and potential threats, Iran and the US have made some progress. The two sides reached a temporary truce in April, followed by a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17. This agreement initiated a 60-day negotiation period aimed at finalizing a comprehensive settlement. However, talks have not been without incident, including an exchange of fire last week stemming from disagreements over passage rights in the Strait of Hormuz.

The strained relationship was further evidenced in June when US President Donald Trump reportedly issued a veiled threat to Ghalibaf and Araghchi during a Fox News interview. This came after Tehran had warned of potential actions to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Trump's alleged remarks indicated a readiness to escalate tensions further.

Heightened Tensions and Warnings

Recent statements from Israeli officials have added to the precarious situation. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was also a target. In response, Araghchi avowed that Tehran would retaliate swiftly and forcefully against any threats targeting its leadership or populace.

The high-stakes diplomatic period coincides with funeral processions for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has issued stern warnings to both the US and Israel, cautioning that any military action during this sensitive period would be a grave miscalculation and would elicit a severe response.