Israel temporarily removed two senior Iranian leaders from its list of potential targets following a request conveyed through Pakistan, according to a source familiar with the matter, as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to explore a possible end to the conflict.

The officials—Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf—were reportedly spared after Islamabad urged Washington to prevent their elimination, arguing that doing so would undermine any chance for negotiations.

“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 ministry did not immediately issue a response to requests for comment.

Earlier reporting by The Wall Street Journal indicated that the two Iranian figures had been removed from Israel’s target list for several days while potential diplomatic channels were being considered. The report, citing U.S. officials, did not reference any involvement by Pakistan.

Pakistan, along with Egypt and Turkey, has taken on a mediating role between Tehran and Washington in an effort to bring the war to an end.

Islamabad has remained in communication with both sides at a time when most other diplomatic avenues have broken down, and it is also being viewed as a possible location for future negotiations if talks move forward.

At the same time, Iran is examining a 15-point proposal from President Donald Trump, which was delivered through Pakistan and is aimed at ending the conflict. According to Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan, it includes provisions to eliminate Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, stop further enrichment, limit its ballistic missile development, and cut support to allied groups in the region.

Trump has said that Iran is eager to reach an agreement, while Araqchi has indicated that Tehran is reviewing the proposal but is not prepared to enter negotiations to bring the fighting to a close.

{Matzav.com}