Big surprise from Trump: He removed two key Iranian figures from the death list.

Big surprise from Trump: He removed two key Iranian figures from the death list.

26.03.2026 10:21

The United States temporarily removed Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from its target list as part of a possible negotiation process with Iran.

As the attacks initiated by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28 continue reciprocally, a new development has occurred in the war. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the US has temporarily removed two senior Iranian officials from its target list to evaluate a possible negotiation process.

US officials announced that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were removed from the target list for 4 to 5 days following US President Donald Trump's opening of the door to negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

MEDIATION TRAFFIC HAS ACCELERATED

It is planned for US and Iranian officials to meet in the coming days under the mediation of Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt. However, due to the significant differences between the parties' demands, the likelihood of success in the negotiations is considered low. The US administration has warned Iran of a deadline. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that if Tehran does not end the conflict, the US will respond much more harshly.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Muhammad Baqer Qalibaf
Iranian Parliament Speaker Muhammad Baqer Qalibaf

ISRAEL'S "LEADERSHIP ELIMINATION" STRATEGY

Since the beginning of the war, Israel has targeted many senior Iranian officials with airstrikes. Israel has announced that it plans to continue its "leadership elimination" strategy, which it has implemented in Gaza and Lebanon, in Iran as well. The US, on the other hand, has focused its attacks more on Iran's military facilities and missile capabilities.

TRUMP: WE HAVE ELIMINATED THEIR LEADERSHIP

US President Donald Trump claimed in previous statements that the attacks have largely incapacitated Iran's leadership. Trump expressed that this situation makes it difficult to find interlocutors for peace talks. While both military and diplomatic activities continue in the region, developments are being closely monitored.

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