Pakistan’s Mediation Leads to Israel Dropping Iranian Leaders from Target List, Reports Claim

Islamabad: Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic mediator in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, with reports claiming that Israel has removed senior Iranian officials from its alleged “hit list” following behind-the-scenes negotiations.

According to international media reports, including Reuters and Axios, the individuals reportedly removed from the list include Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Sources suggest that Pakistan intervened diplomatically by engaging with the United States, urging restraint. Pakistani officials reportedly argued that targeting key figures involved in potential negotiations would undermine any chances of a diplomatic resolution. Following this, Washington is said to have pressured Israel to step back.

High-Level Talks Expected in Islamabad
Reports indicate that efforts are underway to organize a major multilateral meeting in Islamabad later this week. According to Axios, Iran may be represented by Speaker Ghalibaf, while the U.S. delegation could include Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and possibly Vice President JD Vance.

Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently stated that Pakistan would be honored to facilitate “meaningful and result-oriented dialogue” if both the United States and Iran agree to negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has urged caution regarding speculation, emphasizing that sensitive diplomatic efforts require confidentiality and that official statements should be awaited.

A report by the Financial Times also highlighted Pakistan’s growing role, describing it as positioning itself as a central mediator between the United States, Israel, and Iran—raising hopes for a potential breakthrough in regional peace efforts.