U.S. intelligence and diplomatic officials feared during secret U.S.–Iran talks
this spring that Israel might plan assassinations of senior Iranian figures
involved in the negotiations, including negotiator Araghchi and parliament
speaker Qalibaf. Washington alerted Tehran of the potential risk via regional
partners, citing concern such strikes would directly undermine fragile ceasefire
and interim peace talks. Israeli planning reportedly flagged multiple senior
Iranians as possible targets early in the conflict, including moderates linked
to dialogue. After April, U.S. engagement intensified — coordinated by Vice
President Vance, U.S. Middle East envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner — to protect
the negotiations. Iran responded by tightening security for senior officials and
using fighter escorts on some foreign trips to mitigate attack risk.
