Iran is holding a massive state funeral for Ali Khamenei, the country’s former Supreme Leader, in an event that authorities are framing as a national plebiscite — a show of unity and loyalty to the Islamic Republic’s political system. Enormous crowds were expected in Tehran and other cities, with the ceremony carrying heavy political symbolism for the regime’s new leadership.
The funeral coincides with an explosive revelation from The New York Times, reported by Italy’s L’Espresso. According to the report, Israel had developed a plan to assassinate Iranian negotiators during recent peace talks — potentially targeting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. American officials reportedly learned of the plot and warned Tehran of the risk. The revelation sheds new light on the deep tensions between Israel and the United States during the nuclear diplomacy process, suggesting that even as Washington pursued dialogue, its closest Middle Eastern ally was preparing targeted killings that could have destroyed the negotiations entirely.
