**Title: Iran's Foreign Minister Confirms Reports of Israeli Targeting During Negotiations**
**Date: March 7, 2026**
In a significant development regarding the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has corroborated reports from U.S. media indicating that Israel may have considered targeting Iran's chief negotiators during critical discussions held in Islamabad in April. These negotiations were pivotal in establishing a framework deal between Iran and the United States, which was signed on June 17.
According to Araghchi, U.S. officials expressed concerns that Israel had placed him and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on a target list during the negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire. The discussions, which involved mediation by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, were intended to pave the way for a cessation of hostilities between Iran and the U.S., which have been engaged in conflict since February 28, when U.S.-Israeli strikes led to the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reports from major U.S. publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, revealed that Washington had taken the threat seriously enough to alert Tehran through regional allies, as there have been no formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Iran since 1980. This communication strategy underscores the complexities of diplomatic interactions in the region.
In an interview with Iranian state television, Araghchi acknowledged awareness of the threats but emphasized the resolve of Iranian officials to pursue peace despite the risks. "We are Iranians, we don't fear death for our nation," he stated. He further criticized the nature of such threats, labeling them cowardly and asserting that Iran's intentions were focused on regional peace.
The heightened security measures taken by Iran during the Islamabad negotiations included the escorting of Ghalibaf's aircraft by Pakistani fighter jets for the duration of the trip. However, upon returning to Iran, the delegation's flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Mashhad due to perceived threats from Israeli military actions, which resulted in Ghalibaf and his team continuing their journey to Tehran by car.
The backdrop to these negotiations is a complex web of regional tensions and hostilities, with the ongoing war between Iran and the U.S. significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape. The framework deal signed in June is part of a broader effort to establish a 60-day ceasefire, allowing both sides to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement.
Despite the ongoing conflict and the threats posed to its negotiators, Iran has demonstrated a commitment to pursuing diplomatic avenues. However, the situation remains precarious, with both Iranian and U.S. officials navigating a landscape fraught with risks and potential escalations.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of these developments could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and the future of U.S.-Iran relations. The absence of direct communication between Washington and Tehran continues to complicate the resolution of ongoing tensions, as both nations seek to advance their interests in a volatile environment.