US Warns Tehran That Israel's 'Killing Instinct' May Target Iranian Negotiators
US officials have been attempting to warn Iran this spring regarding concerns that Israel may kill Iranian negotiators during negotiations, as reported by The New York Post on Friday (3/7), citing two US officials.
According to these officials, the US is concerned that Israel could target the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as a key figure in the negotiations, or Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who also plays a vital role in the talks. The officials conveyed this warning through intermediaries.
As of Friday (2/7), there have been no direct signs that US intelligence possesses information regarding a specific assassination plot underlying the warning.
However, Israel’s highest defence official has openly stated support for the assassination of senior Iranian leaders. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump previously stated that such actions would only complicate the negotiation process.
Last March, Trump declined to reveal the identity of the Iranian party negotiating with the US because he did not want them to become targets of assassination. Trump added that the situation has become complicated.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has denied the reports from The New York Times. In a statement on the X platform, Israel referred to the report as “fake news” and a fabrication that is entirely inconsistent with reality.
Previously, on Friday (3/7), Medvedev visited Iran to attend a farewell ceremony for the former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei. The Russian leader also reminded that Moscow and Washington were allies in two world wars.
Iran has rejected a US offer to release US$100 billion in funds to end levies in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering new military threats in global maritime routes.
Following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, US President Donald Trump revealed plans to take over the management of their oil and gas resources.
He also emphasised that demands for retaliation following the death of Khamenei must serve as a message heard on a global scale.
Tehran views the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of the United Nations (UN) Charter and the fundamental principles of international law.