U.S. officials harbored significant fears that Israel might orchestrate the assassination of key Iranian negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf. This concern stemmed from the belief that such an act would have been catastrophic for ongoing peace talks, potentially derailing diplomatic efforts between the nations.

American intelligence assessed that any Israeli attempt on the lives of these high-ranking Iranian officials would have irrevocably damaged the fragile negotiation process. The potential fallout from such an event was seen as severe, jeopardizing any hope of de-escalation or resolution of outstanding issues.

The apprehension among U.S. officials underscores the high stakes and deep mistrust present during these diplomatic exchanges. The revelation suggests a heightened level of covert activity and strategic maneuvering by regional powers, with the U.S. acting as a reluctant observer aware of potential destabilizing actions.

This intelligence indicates a critical juncture where diplomatic progress was particularly vulnerable to extreme measures, highlighting the precarious nature of international negotiations when clandestine operations are perceived as a threat.