Jul 03, Kathmandu - American media outlets have claimed that Israel allegedly devised plans to assassinate prominent Iranian negotiators amid ongoing efforts to end tensions between the United States and Iran.

The New York Times and The Washington Post, citing unnamed U.S. officials, reported that Israel aimed to target Iranian Foreign Minister Abdessamad Araghchi and senior Iranian negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

According to a U.S. official speaking to The Washington Post, “If these individuals had been killed, it would have effectively eliminated pragmatic leaders committed to dialogue and diplomatic solutions.” The New York Times further stated that the U.S. administration had communicated potential risks to Iran through messages conveyed via Middle Eastern countries. Neither Israel nor Iran has issued official responses regarding these claims.

The reports also mention that Israel has previously targeted parties involved in negotiations to influence regional conflicts. Notably, in October, Israeli forces attacked a Hamas facility in Doha, at a time when Hamas officials were studying a proposed ceasefire agreement with Israel.