The U.S. suspects Israel of plotting an assassination attempt against Iranians – NYT
During the negotiations with Iran, U.S. officials speculated that Israel might be planning an assassination attempt on two key Iranian officials—Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf. Washington feared that the possible assassination of these high-ranking officials would permanently derail diplomatic contacts between the U.S. and Iran.
According to the publication’s sources, the U.S. side even issued a warning to Iranian authorities about the potential threat so that Tehran could strengthen security measures for its officials.
It is noted that in April, Mohammad Ghalibaf was scheduled to meet with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in Islamabad. Due to reports of a possible threat, the Iranian delegation’s plane was escorted by Pakistani Air Force fighter jets both on the flight to Pakistan and on the return trip.
However, on the return trip, according to NYT sources, Iranian intelligence intercepted information about a likely Israeli attack in the works. According to them, two Israeli fighter jets had allegedly already entered Iranian airspace.
As a result, the plane carrying the delegation was forced to make an emergency landing in Mashhad. Afterward, the Iranian officials continued their journey to Tehran by land.
The New York Times reported this, citing informed sources.
Iran has set new conditions for the U.S. to continue negotiations — Reuters.
As a reminder, on June 26, global oil prices fell by about 2% due to an increase in the number of tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Exports of mineral fertilizers through the Strait of Hormuz have shown rapid growth, bringing supply volumes to the global market back to levels recorded before the military escalation began.
