Israel removes Iranian officials from target list amid potential peace talks

Israel has temporarily removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf from its list of targets for potential elimination. This decision, reported to last for four to five days, coincides with explorations of possible peace talks between Tehran and Washington. According to a Pakistani source, the removal followed a request from Islamabad to the United States, arguing that the elimination of these officials would leave no one for diplomatic negotiations. The Wall Street Journal corroborated the removal of the officials from the list but did not explicitly cite the Pakistani role. Iran is currently reviewing a 15-point peace proposal presented by U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes conditions regarding Iran's uranium enrichment programs. Pakistan, alongside Egypt and Turkey, is acting as a mediator to resolve the ongoing conflict. Israeli and U.S. military or government officials have largely declined to comment on these specific reports. Direct communication channels between Washington and Tehran are reportedly being facilitated by Islamabad.