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Israel removed two senior Iranian officials from its target list after Pakistan urged the U.S. to intervene, a Pakistani source familiar with the discussions told Reuters.
The development comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to open a path toward talks between Tehran and Washington, Reuters reported.
The source said Israeli forces had identified the locations of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and were considering targeting them.
“The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the U.S. if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the U.S. asked the Israelis to back off,” the source said.
Pakistan’s military and foreign office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Israel’s military declined to comment, and the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond.
The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that the two Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israel’s list of targets for up to four or five days as part of efforts to explore possible peace talks, citing U.S. officials, but did not mention a Pakistani role.
Pakistan, alongside Türkiye and Egypt, is acting as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.
Islamabad has maintained direct contact with both sides and is seen as a potential venue for possible talks.
Iran is reviewing a 15-point proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered through Pakistan, aimed at ending the war.
According to Israeli cabinet sources, the proposal includes removing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, halting enrichment, limiting its ballistic missile program and cutting funding to regional allies.
Trump has said Iran is seeking a deal, while Araghchi said Tehran is reviewing the proposal but has no intention of holding talks to end the conflict.
Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that no senior Iranian official is immune from being targeted.
Last week, Defense Minister Israel Katz said he and Netanyahu had authorized the military to target officials without prior approval.
Responding to reports, Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said the military follows a strict process before each strike.
“We have a rigorous process before every operation we carry out,” he said, adding that he would not comment on specific potential targets.
Regional escalation has continued to flare since the U.S. and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
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