Israel has forcefully dismissed a New York Times report claiming US officials feared it might target senior Iranian negotiators during peace talks, branding the story "fake news" and a "complete fabrication of reality."
The Prime Minister's Office, in a statement posted on X, denied any intention to assassinate Iranian officials involved in ceasefire efforts. "As usual, The New York Times' latest story about Israel and the Iranian negotiators is fake news," the statement read.
The US report suggested Washington worried Israel could strike Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during negotiations that began in April. American officials reportedly feared such an attack could derail talks and reignite conflict.
According to the report, the US even asked regional allies to warn Iran of possible threats. While acknowledging that during the war's most intense phase Iranian leaders might have been viewed as "legitimate targets," officials stressed that once diplomacy gained traction, any strike would have jeopardized peace efforts.
The backdrop is Israel's war with Hezbollah and Iran, which escalated after the February 28 strike killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The fallout has strained ties between Washington and Tel Aviv, with President Donald Trump publicly critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the conflict.