Israel took Iran's Araqchi, Qalibaf off hit list after Pakistan request to US, Pakistani source says - Reuters

Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Qalibaf from a targeted strike list following a diplomatic request from Pakistan to the United States, according to a Pakistani source cited by Reuters. The move reflects behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, which have been heightened by recent military exchanges. By sparing these two senior Iranian officials, Israel appears to be responding to international pressure to limit the scope of potential retaliation for earlier Iranian attacks. Pakistan's intervention underscores the role regional powers are playing in containing the Israel-Iran conflict. The decision could signal a broader effort to prevent a broader regional escalation.