Jerusalem (Rajeev Sharma): The Israeli government has firmly denied reports suggesting that it planned to target senior Iranian negotiators during indirect discussions held earlier this year, calling the allegations entirely unfounded.
In an official response, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the report, stating that the claims were false and did not reflect actual events. The statement accused the publication of presenting inaccurate information regarding Israel’s role during the diplomatic process.
The report had claimed that officials in the United States privately feared two senior Iranian representatives could face security threats while diplomatic efforts were underway. It further alleged that Washington conveyed those concerns to Tehran through intermediaries operating in the region.
According to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf were among the officials allegedly mentioned during those exchanges. It suggested the concerns emerged after a ceasefire temporarily eased hostilities between Iran and Israel.
Israeli authorities, however, have categorically denied the entire account, insisting there was no such plan and describing the report as a complete fabrication.
The denial comes at a time when diplomatic activity surrounding Iran has resumed. Earlier this week, separate meetings involving American, Iranian and regional representatives took place in Doha, where discussions reportedly focused on issues linked to an earlier memorandum aimed at reducing tensions.
Officials involved in the talks described the latest round of discussions as constructive and confirmed that negotiations would continue after ceremonies related to the funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader conclude.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office also confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. During the call, the two leaders reportedly agreed to meet in the United States in the near future to discuss bilateral relations and regional security issues. No timeline for the meeting has been announced.
The developments come as diplomatic efforts continue alongside persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While negotiations aimed at easing the crisis remain underway, reports concerning alleged security threats have added another layer of controversy. Israel has maintained that the allegations lack credibility and has reiterated its rejection of the claims, even as regional diplomacy continues through multiple international channels.
