Israel removes THESE two top Iranian leaders from hit list after Pakistan’s request, report claims

Israel has reportedly removed the names of Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Barher Ghalibaf from its “hit list” during the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. According to a Reuters report, this decision came after a request from Pakistan, which is playing a mediating role in the conflict.

Citing a Pakistani source, Reuters said that Islamabad asked the US to step in and request Israel not to target these leaders. Following this, Washington reportedly asked Israel to “back off.” “The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out. We told the US if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the US asked the Israelis to back off,” the source told Reuters.

This development was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, quoting US officials. The report added that the two Iranian leaders have been removed from the target list “temporarily.”

Soon after, Israel said it had carried out strikes that killed IRGC Naval Commander Alireza Tangsiri on Thursday.

Pakistan Takes on Mediator Role

As the conflict continues, Pakistan has taken an active role in mediation. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, indirect talks between the US and Iran are ongoing through messages sent via Islamabad. “In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan. In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran,” said Dar on X.

He also mentioned that Turkey and Egypt are supporting the mediation efforts. “Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond,” he added further.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan would be willing and “honoured” to host talks between the US and Iran to help end the conflict. While there has been no official statement from the White House, US President Donald Trump shared Sharif’s announcement on Truth Social, indicating support from Washington.