Israel Plotted to Kill Iran Negotiators, US Feared

Washington — The Trump administration believed Israel planned to assassinate Iran’s top peace negotiators to derail diplomatic talks with the United States, according to a report. The New York Times reported Thursday that American officials were concerned about the targeting of two key Iranian figures: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. US intelligence suggested the Israeli government intended to kill these officials during peace negotiations. The goal, officials reportedly believed, was to sabotage any progress toward a diplomatic agreement between Washington and Tehran. The report highlights a deep mistrust between the US and its ally Israel over Iran policy. It remains unclear whether any specific plot was carried out or prevented. The news comes as tensions over Iran’s nuclear program continue to shape regional politics.