Israel took Iran's Araghchi, Qalibaf off hit list on Pakistan request: report

Israel removed key Iranian officials from its hit list following Pakistan's request amid ongoing peace negotiations with the U.S.

Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi 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 (March 26, 2026).

“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 source said.

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Pakistan’s ‌military ⁠and foreign office did not immediately respond to ⁠requests for comment.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the two top Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israel’s list of ​officials to eliminate ‌as they explore possible peace talks. The two officials have been removed from the list for up to four or five days, the Journal said, citing ‌U.S. officials, but did not mention any Pakistani ​role in it.

Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are playing the role of mediator between Tehran ⁠and Washington to end the Iran war.