U.S. Officials Feared Israel Might Target Iranian Negotiators, Report Says

U.S. intelligence and diplomatic officials previously suspected Israel may have planned assassinations of key Iranian negotiating figures during secret U.S.-Iran talks this spring, The New York Times reported. According to Jin10, the report said the potential targets included Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf. U.S. officials were concerned such an operation would directly undermine ongoing interim peace and ceasefire negotiations, and they sent warnings to Iran about possible risks through countries in the region. The report said Israel had listed multiple senior Iranian figures as targets early in the conflict, including some moderate figures who had been involved in negotiations. As Washington pushed for a ceasefire and dialogue, U.S. officials believed any move against negotiators could lead to a resumption of war. The report also said the United States and Iran engaged in intensive contacts after April, with coordination involving U.S. Vice President Vance, U.S. Middle East envoy Witkoff, and Kushner. It added that Iran repeatedly strengthened security measures and, on some trips abroad, used fighter jets for escort to reduce the risk of attacks on its delegation.