NYT Reveals Israeli Plot to Assassinate Senior Iranian Negotiators

Details of the New York Times Investigative Report

According to a new report by The New York Times published on July 2, 2026, US intelligence officials obtained credible evidence indicating that Israel was planning to assassinate two of Iran's highest-ranking officials during peace negotiations [1]. The report, based on statements from current and former US officials, emphasizes that the primary targets of this plot were Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister, and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament and head of the Iranian negotiating delegation [2].

This assassination plot emerged just as Washington and Tehran were engaged in intensive talks to end a war that began on February 28, 2026. US officials believed that any action against these two senior officials would not only completely destroy the negotiations but also carry the risk of reigniting widespread conflict in the region [3].

The Incident of Ghalibaf's Plane Being Chased by Israeli Jets

One of the most dramatic parts of this report concerns an incident in April 2026. At that time, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was returning to Iran after meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad [1]. Iranian security forces received a warning that two Israeli fighter jets had entered Iranian airspace from the western borders with the intent to attack the plane carrying Ghalibaf [4].

Following this threat, the plane carrying the Iranian delegation was forced to make an emergency landing in the city of Mashhad, and Ghalibaf and his companions traveled the rest of the way to Tehran by land [2]. This incident led Iran to seek security guarantees from the United States, through intermediaries in Pakistan and Qatar, that Israel would not attack the negotiating team during diplomatic meetings [3].

Washington's Diplomatic Efforts to Prevent Catastrophe

The Trump administration, which was strongly seeking to achieve a lasting peace agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stood firmly against these Israeli plans. According to The New York Times, Washington asked regional countries to informally warn Tehran about the possibility of its negotiators being targeted by Israel [5].

In their messages to Tel Aviv, US officials emphasized that while many senior Iranian leaders were considered legitimate military targets at the start of the war, the assassination of Iran's political representatives is considered a red line for Washington following the ceasefire declaration on April 8 and the start of the diplomatic process [1]. Donald Trump also noted in remarks that Israel's assassination campaign had made it difficult for the US to find negotiating partners [5].

Current Status of Negotiations and Regional Tensions

Currently, as of July 3, 2026, negotiations in Doha, Qatar, have been temporarily halted due to the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the holding of his funeral ceremonies [3]. However, US officials have stated that the talks have been "fruitful" and the diplomatic process is expected to resume after the burial ceremonies in Mashhad [2]. The disclosure of this assassination plot at such a sensitive juncture has increased pressure on the Israeli government to adhere to diplomatic frameworks.