U.S. Officials Warn Israeli Assassination Threats Against Iran’s Diplomats Could Derail Peace Efforts

U.S. officials have raised serious concerns that Israeli assassination attempts against Iran’s top negotiators could derail efforts to achieve a diplomatic settlement with Washington, according to multiple reports.

The administration reportedly took an unusual step this week by using regional intermediaries to warn Tehran that Israeli strikes targeting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf were possible during ceasefire negotiations.

Administration officials fear that eliminating the two senior Iranian diplomats would remove the only remaining channels for reaching a compromise on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and curbing Iran’s nuclear program.

“One kills those folks and you’re killing the pragmatists,” an anonymous U.S. official told The Washington Post, highlighting concerns that such actions could strengthen hard-liners within Iran rather than advance peace efforts.

The reports underscore growing tensions between the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the ultimate goals of the conflict. While both nations initially aimed to cripple Iran’s military after war broke out in late February, Washington has increasingly prioritized diplomatic solutions as Tehran suffers significant military setbacks.

U.S. officials reportedly urged Israel to remove Araghchi and Ghalibaf from assassination lists as negotiations accelerated this spring. American representatives also relied on Pakistani and Qatari intermediaries to reassure Iranian officials during talks.

The White House maintained its commitment to diplomacy, with one administration official stating the president “wants the peace process to play out.” Another cited productive meetings involving special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner in Qatar as evidence of progress.

Israeli officials, however, remain skeptical of the emerging U.S.-Iran framework agreement, arguing it falls short of Israel’s objectives for regime change, dismantling Iran’s proxy networks, and permanently eliminating Tehran’s missile capabilities. The Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the reports.

The reports also detailed extraordinary security measures during negotiations. During one trip to Pakistan, Iranian officials reportedly feared Israeli strikes so intensely that Pakistani fighter jets escorted their aircraft. Upon returning home, Iranian intelligence warned of a potential attack, prompting an emergency landing and an hours-long overland journey back to Tehran.

These developments highlight the delicate balancing act facing the Trump administration as it seeks to preserve a fragile peace process while maintaining its critical alliance with Israel.