Israel Removes Top Iranian Officials from Hit List Following Pakistan’s Request
ISLAMABAD – Israel temporarily removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its hit list after Pakistan asked the United States to urge Israel not to target them, a Pakistani source familiar with the discussions told Reuters on Thursday.
Diplomatic Intervention Prevents Targeting
“The Israelis had their coordinates and planned to take them out. We told the U.S. that if they were eliminated, there would be no one left to negotiate with. Consequently, the U.S. asked Israel to back off,” the source said.
Requests for comment sent to Pakistan’s military and foreign office were not immediately answered. Israel’s military also declined to comment, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not respond promptly.
Context of Temporary Removal
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Araqchi and Qalibaf were temporarily removed from Israel’s list of officials considered for elimination while potential peace talks are explored. According to the Journal, the removal could last up to four or five days, but it did not mention Pakistan’s role.
Mediation Efforts
Pakistan, along with Egypt and Turkey, is mediating between Tehran and Washington to help end tensions and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
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