Israel took Iran's Araghchi, Qalibaf off hit list on Pakistan request: report
Why it matters: This reveals high-stakes backchannel diplomacy preventing further escalation, balancing military threats with fragile peace efforts.
- Israel temporarily took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit list, a decision influenced by Pakistan's plea to the U.S. (Reuters).
- Pakistan emphasized to the U.S. that eliminating these officials would leave no one for potential peace talks, leading the U.S. to intervene with Israel (Reuters).
- The Wall Street Journal first reported the temporary removal of the Iranian officials for 4-5 days, citing U.S. officials, but did not mention Pakistan's role.
- Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are actively mediating between Tehran and Washington, with Islamabad maintaining direct contact with both sides and being considered a potential venue for peace talks (Reuters).
- Iran is reviewing a 15-point U.S. peace proposal, delivered via Pakistan, which includes demands to curb its nuclear and missile programs and cut funding for regional allies (Reuters, citing Israeli sources).
- U.S. President Donald Trump believes Iran is desperate for a deal, while Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated Tehran is reviewing the proposal but has no intention of holding talks to end the conflict (Reuters).
- India Today World reported separately on the killing of the chief of Iran's elite naval force, responsible for the Hormuz blockade, by Israel, adding a layer of ongoing military action despite diplomatic efforts.
Israel reportedly removed top Iranian officials, Foreign Minister Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Qalibaf, from a hit list at Pakistan's urgent request to the U.S., aiming to preserve diplomatic channels amid escalating tensions. This move, confirmed by Reuters and initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, underscores a complex mediation effort by Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey as Iran reviews a U.S. peace proposal.
