The United States expressed serious concerns that Israel could attempt to assassinate Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi amid diplomatic negotiations that began in April 2024. This apprehension emerged as a significant threat to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and reviving dialogue between the two countries.
In a notable move to protect the fragile diplomatic process, US officials reportedly urged third-party regional intermediaries to alert Tehran about the potential Israeli threats targeting these senior Iranian figures. Behind the scenes, American intelligence and diplomatic channels emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that any violent action against the negotiators would immediately undermine the delicate framework of talks.
Although the precise details of the Israeli intelligence or operational activities that triggered Washington’s alarm were not fully disclosed, the threat was described as both credible and imminent. The US viewed such a strike as not only jeopardizing the negotiations but also risking the outbreak of a broader regional conflict.
Officials drew parallels to the recent 40-day war, cautioning that an assassination attempt could provoke a catastrophic escalation across the Middle East. This intervention highlights the stark strategic differences between Washington and Tel Aviv regarding Iran. While Israel has traditionally favored aggressive military measures and targeted operations to counter perceived existential threats, the current US administration has prioritized structured diplomacy to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
Neither the Israeli government nor the Iranian foreign ministry has issued an official response to these reports.
