Israel wanted to assassinate Araghchi, Ghalibaf to torpedo Pakistan-brokered US-Iran deal — report

On 3 July 2026, a report said Israel wanted to assassinate Araghchi and Ghalibaf to torpedo a Pakistan-brokered US-Iran deal, according to TRT World. The New York Times reported that US officials believed Israel was plotting to kill Iranian negotiators, and CNN wrote that US officials tried to warn Iran of those fears. Netanyahu denied the report, calling it 'fake news', according to Haaretz.

Ghalibaf said Tehran will react proportionately if Israel and the US do not stand by the MOU. President Pezeshkian said US-Israeli crimes against Iran will be pursued vigorously. CNN described a large funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Iran. Separately, the US reaffirmed Pakistan's right to self-defence after UN votes on a global counterterrorism strategy.