'Fake news': Netanyahu denies report claiming US feared Israeli plot to kill Iranian negotiators

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has strongly denied a media report claiming that the US feared Israel might attempt to assassinate senior Iranian negotiators during diplomatic efforts earlier this year.

The denial came after a report by The New York Times, which alleged that American officials were concerned Israel could target Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

According to the report, these concerns intensified in the weeks following the April 8 ceasefire that paused the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

Netanyahu's office calls report 'fake news'

Netanyahu's office rejected the report in a post on X, calling it entirely false.

"As usual, The New York Times' latest story about Israel and the Iranian negotiators is fake news," the Prime Minister's Office said. "A complete fabrication of reality."

More from World

According to the report, US intelligence and diplomatic officials conveyed indirect warnings to Tehran through regional intermediaries. Washington reportedly asked officials in neighbouring Middle Eastern countries to alert Iran that its senior representatives could face assassination attempts.

The report added that while Araghchi and Ghalibaf were viewed as potential targets during the early phase of the conflict, US officials believed that any attack after the April ceasefire would have derailed diplomatic efforts and risked reigniting the conflict.

Report claims Ghalibaf narrowly escaped attack

The New York Times also reported that on April 12, Iranian security officials instructed Ghalibaf's aircraft to make an emergency landing in Mashhad after intelligence suggested Israeli fighter jets had entered Iranian airspace from Iraq to intercept the plane.

Neither the US nor Iran has officially confirmed the report.

Report points to differences between Washington and Israel

The report highlighted growing differences between the Trump administration and Netanyahu's government over the handling of the regional conflict.

It said Israel eliminated several senior Iranian political and military figures during the early stages of the war. However, as prospects for regime change in Tehran faded, Washington reportedly shifted its focus towards a negotiated settlement.

According to the report, the reported assassination of senior Iranian national security official Ali Larijani in March angered US officials, who believed Israel was eliminating key figures needed for future negotiations.

The report also referenced a September 2025 strike in Doha that allegedly killed Hamas negotiators while ceasefire talks were underway.

Netanyahu and Trump to meet soon

Despite reports of differences behind the scenes, both governments are projecting unity publicly.

Netanyahu's office confirmed that the Prime Minister spoke with US President Donald Trump on Friday to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

During the conversation, the two leaders agreed to meet in the United States in the near future to discuss regional security.

"The US is what ensures the freedom of the world, and Israel greatly appreciates the tight bond between the nations," Netanyahu reportedly told Trump.