Pakistan has intervened to help ease tensions in the Iran conflict after Israel reportedly removed two senior Iranian officials from its target list following diplomatic pressure.
Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf off its hit list after Pakistan urged Washington not to allow their elimination, a Pakistani source told Reuters.
“The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out. We told the US that if they are eliminated, there would be no one left to talk to,” the source said, adding that Washington then asked Israel to hold back.
Pakistan’s military and foreign office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to earlier reports, the officials were temporarily removed from Israel’s target list for several days as efforts to explore possible peace talks continue.
Pakistan, alongside Egypt and Turkey, is playing a key mediating role between Tehran and Washington as tensions remain high. Islamabad has maintained rare direct communication channels with both sides and is being considered a potential venue for negotiations.
Iran is currently reviewing a 15 point proposal from US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict. The plan reportedly includes halting uranium enrichment, reducing missile capabilities, and cutting regional funding networks.
While Trump has suggested Iran is eager to reach a deal, Araqchi has said Tehran is still reviewing the proposal and is not yet ready to enter talks to wind down the conflict.
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