'Israel' and Iran secretly reassured each other via Russia: Report
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- 'Israel' and Iran reportedly sent messages through a Russian intermediary in December, promising no preemptive attacks.
- The exchanges highlight unusual diplomacy amid ongoing hostility and regional tensions.
'Israel' and Iran exchanged secret assurances via Russia in late December, signaling that neither side intends to launch a preemptive strike against the other, according to Washington Post sources citing diplomats and regional officials.
Secret communications
'Israeli' officials reportedly informed Iranian leadership through Moscow that they would not strike Iran unless Tehran attacked first. Iran responded through the same channel, pledging to refrain from preemptive action against 'Israel'.
Read more: Reports indicate rising likelihood of US attack on Iran
The Washington Post described the communications and Russian mediation as unusual given the ongoing hostility between the two nations, which fought a 12-day war in June.
Strategic context
Sources told the Washington Post that 'Israel' sought to avoid appearing as the party escalating tensions, even as it hinted at a potential campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The assurances appear to contradict previous Israeli signals about possible strikes on Iran to curb its growing ballistic missile stockpile.
Iran reportedly received the initiative with caution, noting that US military actions coordinated with 'Israel' could still occur. Analysts also cautioned that President Donald Trump’s threats of strikes in response to Iran’s domestic protests could complicate the adherence to these secret assurances.
Read more: Chances of US strike on Iran increased after Trump meeting with advisors: report
A senior regional official described the assurances as a “good deal for Iran” to prevent escalation with Hezbollah. However, ongoing protests in Iran raise uncertainty about whether the secret understanding will hold.
Russian mediation
The article reported that the exchanges followed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s visit to Moscow. Russia has previously sought to mediate between 'Israel' and Iran, partly to enhance its leverage with Trump in negotiations over Ukraine, though Trump reportedly declined earlier offers.
It remains unclear whether Washington was aware of or involved in these communications. Last week, 'Israeli' public broadcaster reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to convey messages to Iran affirming that Israel does not intend to attack.
