March 26, 2026 | 08:45 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States (US) and Israel have removed Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from their target list amid alleged talks with Tehran, US media reported on Wednesday.
According to The Wall Street Journal, as reported by Antara, citing US sources, the removal of Ghalibaf and Araghchi from the target list is only temporary and will last only five days.
The removal of the two Iranian officials follows President Donald Trump's claim earlier this week that Washington and Tehran had held "very positive and productive" talks, delaying a US attack on Iran's energy infrastructure and hoping progress would be achieved within five days.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied reports of any direct talks, saying it had only received a message expressing Washington's willingness to engage in dialogue.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint attack on several targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military targets in the Middle East in self-defense.
The attack was described as a "preventive" measure to address the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. However, the US and Israel later stated that they also sought a change of power in the country.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed on the first day of the joint military operation.
Throughout the series of attacks, several senior Iranian military and political officials were also reportedly killed, including Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Secretary of the National Security Council Ali Larijani, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Mohammad Pakpour, and Secretary of the National Defense Council Ali Shamkhani.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described Khamenei's assassination as a cynical violation of international law. The Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned the US-Israeli operation and called for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.
Read: Is Iran Cashing in Millions from Strait of Hormuz Blockade?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Israel Steps Up Attacks on Iran Ahead of Ceasefire
13 menit lalu
Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli military to accelerate airstrikes against Iran before the United States (US) moves toward a ceasefire with Tehran
Is Iran Cashing in Millions from Strait of Hormuz Blockade?
9 jam lalu
An Iranian lawmaker claims Tehran is quietly charging tankers up to $2 million for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
US, Iran to Hold Talks in Pakistan This Weekend, IAEA Says
13 jam lalu
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announces that the US and Iran will meet in Islamabad to discuss missiles, militias, and security guarantees.
IHSG Climbs 2.75% as Markets React to US-Iran Peace Proposal
13 jam lalu
The IHSG gained 195.28 points, or 2.75 percent, to 7,302.12, while the LQ45 index of 45 top stocks rose 24.04 points, or 3.33 percent, to 764.45.
Iran Refuses Talks Unless US Changes Stance
14 jam lalu
Iran says that talks with the U.S. will only take place if Washington completely abandons its intention to fight the Iranian people.
UN Rights Chief Calls on States to Push for End to Iran War
15 jam lalu
The UN chief said the ongoing war between Iran, Israel, and the US is extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
Who Is Trump Talking to in Iran?
15 jam lalu
Trump has postponed his threat to bomb Iran's energy infrastructure, and claims Tehran wants to negotiate a deal with Washington.
Iran Applauds German President for Condemning Attacks on Its Territory
15 jam lalu
President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier strongly criticizes the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the 'illegal' war against Iran.
Today's Top 3 News: Why the Indonesian Rupiah Could Weaken to 20,000 per Dollar
16 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Lebanon's Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Fighting Continues
16 jam lalu
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is continuing, and Israel has announced it may occupy Lebanon's south long term.
