Trump administration feared Israel would target Iranian diplomats during talks: report
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Trump administration reportedly feared Israel would assassinate Iranian diplomats during nuclear talks.
- The U.S. allegedly asked regional countries to warn Iran of potential Israeli attacks.
- This concern arose amid heightened tensions and Iran's threats of retaliation.
The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly harbored concerns that Israel might assassinate top Iranian diplomats during nuclear negotiations, according to the New York Times. The report suggests that the U.S. asked countries in the region to warn Iran about potential Israeli actions. The specific targets identified were Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. This alleged fear emerged against a backdrop of significant regional tensions and Iran's own threats of retaliation. The report also sheds light on a Reuters-mentioned incident in April, where Pakistan's air force escorted the Iranian delegation out of its airspace with fighter jets, citing fears for the safety of Araghchi and Ghalibaf. Iran has issued stern warnings against any miscalculation by its adversaries, particularly the U.S. and Israel, vowing a strong response to any threats. These warnings come as Iran prepares for state funeral ceremonies for its late spiritual leader, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in an air strike on February 28th. The funeral procession is scheduled to begin in Tehran on Saturday and conclude with his burial in Mashhad on July 9th. Iran's aviation authority has announced temporary flight restrictions over several cities during the mourning period.
We warn Iran's enemies, especially the USA and the Zionist regime, against any miscalculation.
Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.