🌍 U.S.-Iran diplomacy remained active alongside sharp rhetoric. President Trump warned that the United States could rapidly destroy Iran's critical infrastructure if negotiations fail, while emphasizing that he prefers a diplomatic agreement. He also claimed Iran is eager to reach a deal and said talks were paused until after former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei's funeral. According to Axios, Trump said the U.S. deliberately refrained from targeting Iran's leadership during the funeral to preserve the diplomatic track. Arab media reported a new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations is expected after the funeral, with Pakistan replacing the previously planned venue.
🇮🇷 Khamenei's funeral was held under extensive security measures. Millions attended ceremonies where calls for revenge against President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu were displayed. The New York Times reported that Mojtaba Khamenei was denied permission to attend the Mashhad funeral because Iranian security officials feared Israel could target him or use the event to determine his location. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf declared that "the fruit of Khamenei's blood will be the liberation of Quds [Jerusalem]."
🛡️ Israel rejected reports concerning Iranian negotiations while maintaining its deterrent message. The Prime Minister's Office dismissed a New York Times report alleging Israel planned to assassinate Iranian negotiators during previous nuclear talks, calling it "a complete fabrication of reality." Defense Minister Israel Katz said Khamenei was eliminated because he led Iran's efforts to destroy Israel and warned that any future Iranian leader pursuing the same objective "will also be eliminated."
🤝 Reports pointed to friction in U.S.-Israel coordination during the Iran crisis. Axios reported growing skepticism toward Prime Minister Netanyahu among some of President Trump's advisers. Israeli media also claimed Trump asked Netanyahu not to escalate operations in Lebanon to avoid disrupting contacts with Iran, resulting in a postponed operation. Netanyahu denied the report as "fake news," saying Israel acts according to its own considerations. The Prime Minister's Office later announced that Trump and Netanyahu agreed during a phone call to meet in Washington.
🏜️ Regional diplomacy extended beyond the nuclear talks. The Wall Street Journal reported Saudi Arabia initially refused U.S. use of its bases and airspace during Operation Project Freedom before reversing its position after American pressure, reportedly straining bilateral ties. Separately, Ghalibaf told Chinese envoy He Wei that Iran would not permit what it described as American interference in the Strait of Hormuz, outlined maritime understandings with Oman and China, and accused Israel of trying to undermine U.S.-Iran understandings.
🔁 Know someone who should see this? Forward it.
🗨️ Join the discussion, read on web & subscribe by email: https://www.israelrealtime.com/p/subscribe
