Pakistan Steps In as Israel Removes Iranian Officials from Target List
Pakistan called on the US to urge restraint from Israel, resulting in the removal of two Iranian officials from the assassination target list amid mediation efforts.
Pakistan has stepped in to help alleviate tensions in the Iran conflict after Israel allegedly took two senior Iranian officials off its target list due to diplomatic pressure.
Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf from its target list following a request from Pakistan to Washington to prevent their assassination, according to a source from Pakistan who spoke to Reuters.
“The Israelis possessed their coordinates and aimed to eliminate them. “We informed the US that if they were to be eliminated, there would be no one remaining to engage in dialogue,” the source stated, noting that Washington subsequently requested Israel exercise restraint.
There was no immediate response from Pakistan’s military and foreign office regarding requests for comment.
Earlier reports indicate that the officials were briefly taken off Israel’s target list for a few days while efforts to explore potential peace talks are ongoing.
Pakistan, together with Egypt and Turkey, is serving as a crucial mediator between Tehran and Washington amid ongoing high tensions. Islamabad has preserved unique direct communication channels with both parties and is viewed as a possible location for negotiations.
Iran is presently assessing a 15-point proposal from US President Donald Trump designed to resolve the conflict. The plan reportedly encompasses a cessation of uranium enrichment, a reduction in missile capabilities, and a decrease in regional funding networks.
Trump has indicated that Iran is keen to finalize a deal, but Araqchi has stated that Tehran is still assessing the proposal and is not prepared to engage in discussions to resolve the conflict, as they seek further clarifications on the terms and potential concessions from the US side.
