PEACE PLOY? Tehran Suspects U.S. Talks Are Hit Job Setup: WSJ

Iranian officials are increasingly wary that U.S.-led ceasefire talks may be more than diplomacy, fearing the discussions could be used to draw out top regime figures for potential targeting, according to a report.

Leaders in Tehran are concerned that any face-to-face negotiations with the United States and Israel could be a setup aimed at exposing senior leadership.

At the center of those concerns is parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ghalibaf, a former paramilitary commander and one of the most senior figures to avoid recent airstrikes, is viewed as a key target and is being sought by U.S. officials for potential peace talks.

Iranian officials worry that such talks could be used to locate or isolate remaining leadership figures.

The concern comes as President Donald Trump recently announced a temporary pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Iranian officials, along with Arab counterparts in contact with Tehran, told the Journal they believe the pause may be tactical — aimed at stabilizing global oil prices before any renewed military action.

The Trump administration has publicly framed the pause as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement, describing recent discussions as “productive.”

Iran, however, appears to be approaching those overtures with caution.

The reported fears underscore the deep mistrust shaping any potential negotiations, as both sides weigh diplomacy against ongoing military pressure.

More over at The New York Post

Iran worried Trump’s negotiations could be trap to assassinate one of the regime’s last surviving political leaders: report https://t.co/Rs0i8UZx0F pic.twitter.com/L62kQrn6vE

— New York Post (@nypost) March 24, 2026