Israel Removes Iran's Foreign Minister Araqchi, Qalibaf From 'Hit List' On Pakistan Plea: Reports

Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit list after Pakistan requested that Washington not target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Thursday.

"The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out. We told the US that if they are also eliminated, there will be no one left to talk to. Hence, the US asked the Israelis to back off," the source said. Pakistan's military and foreign office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Top Iranian officials temporarily removed from list of targets

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the two top Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israel's list of targets for elimination as both sides explore possible peace talks. The officials were removed from the list for up to four or five days, the Journal said, citing US officials. The report did not mention any Pakistani role.

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Pakistan, along with Egypt and Turkey, is playing a mediating role between Tehran and Washington to help end the Iran war. Islamabad has maintained direct contact with both Washington and Tehran at a time when such channels are largely frozen for most other countries. Islamabad is also being viewed as a likely venue if formal peace talks are held.

15-Point ceasefire

Iran is currently reviewing a 15-point proposal from US President Donald Trump, which was sent through Pakistan, aimed at ending the conflict. The proposal calls for Iran to remove its stocks of highly enriched uranium, halt uranium enrichment, curb its ballistic missile program, and cut off funding for its regional allies, according to Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan.

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Trump has said Iran is desperate to make a deal, while Araqchi said Tehran was reviewing the US proposal but had no intention of holding talks to wind down the conflict.

 (Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by The Daily Jagran and has been published through a syndicated feed. Source - REUTERS)