Islamabad: Israel has temporarily removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf from its target list following a request from Pakistan, Reuters reported citing a source familiar with the discussions.
Israel had apparently gathered coordinates of the two officials and intended to eliminate them. However, Pakistan intervened by urging the United States that their removal will eliminate remaining channels for dialogue.
“The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out… we told the US if they are also eliminated, then there is no one else to talk to. Hence the US asked the Israelis to back off,” the source said.
The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, had first reported that the two top Iranian figures were taken off Israel’s ‘hit list’ for up to four or five days to facilitate potential peace talks.
Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey have emerged as mediators between Tehran and Washington in efforts to broker a ceasefire that can the 26-old-day war between US-Israel and Iran.
Pakistan has maintained direct communication lines with both the US and Iran at a time when such channels remain frozen for most nations. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif has suggested Islamabad as a possible venue for holding formal discussions.
Meanwhile, Iran is examining a 15-point proposal offered delivered by US President Donald Trump through Pakistan. According to Israeli cabinet sources cited in foreign agency reports, the plan demands that Iran dismantle its stocks of highly enriched uranium, cease all enrichment activities, limit its ballistic missile programme, and sever financial support to regional proxies.
Trump has publicly said several times in the last few days that Iran is “desperate” for a deal. In response, Araghchi said Tehran is reviewing the proposal but emphasized no intention to engage in talks aimed at winding down the conflict.
