Israel has rejected a U.S. media report that claimed American officials feared it might target senior Iranian negotiators during peace talks with Tehran. Calling the report “fake news” and “a complete fabrication of reality,” the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied that Israel had any intention of killing Iranian officials involved in ceasefire and diplomatic efforts.
“As usual, The New York Times’ latest story about Israel and the Iranian negotiators is fake news,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “A complete fabrication of reality.”
The report alleged that current and former U.S. officials believed Israel had considered plans to assassinate two senior Iranian leaders while Washington was engaged in negotiations with Tehran. It named Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as the officials who were allegedly at risk, noting that both played key roles in the negotiations.
According to the report, concerns within the U.S. administration grew after ceasefire negotiations began in April. Some American officials reportedly feared that any attempt to assassinate the Iranian leaders could derail the ongoing peace talks and reignite tensions across the Middle East. It further claimed that the U.S. asked other countries in the region to warn Iran about the possibility that the two officials could be targeted.
The United States remains Israel’s closest ally. However, President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks, particularly after Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon threatened to undermine diplomatic efforts with Iran.
Meanwhile, Qatar and Pakistan concluded separate meetings with US and Iranian negotiators in Doha on July 1, with officials reporting “positive progress” on issues related to a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson said the parties agreed to continue discussions, with the next round expected after funeral ceremonies for Iran’s former Supreme Leader.