Islamabad: Israel has temporarily removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its target list following a request channeled through the United States by Pakistan, according to a report by Reuters.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Intervention A Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions revealed that Islamabad urged Washington to intervene after learning that Israeli forces had the coordinates of the two senior Iranian officials and intended to strike them. The source stated, “The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out. We told the U.S. if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the U.S. asked the Israelis to back off.”
The removal is understood to be temporary, lasting four to five days, to facilitate ongoing efforts for possible peace negotiations.
Pakistan’s Mediating Role Pakistan, along with Egypt and Turkey, has been actively playing a mediating role between Tehran and Washington amid the Iran conflict. Islamabad maintains direct communication channels with both sides at a time when most other countries have frozen contacts with Iran.
A 15-point proposal from US President Donald Trump, reportedly conveyed through Pakistan, is currently under review in Tehran. The proposal includes demands such as removing Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium, halting enrichment activities, curbing its ballistic missile program, and cutting support to regional allies.
Implications for Peace Efforts Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi has said Tehran is reviewing the US proposal but has no immediate intention of holding talks to end the conflict. US President Donald Trump earlier remarked that Iran appears desperate to reach a deal.
Pakistan’s intervention highlights its growing diplomatic influence in the region. Officials in Islamabad believe preserving key Iranian figures is essential to keeping dialogue channels open. Pakistan’s military and foreign office have not yet commented on the report.