NYT: US-Iran communication channel reduces Israel’s role in talks

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has established a direct communication channel with Iran on issues related to a ceasefire and regional de-escalation, with Israel reportedly playing a diminished role in the process, according to The New York Times.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper reported that coordination between Washington and Israeli officials regarding contacts with Iran has significantly decreased.

Two representatives from Israel’s Ministry of Defence said the Israeli leadership is no longer receiving full information about the progress of negotiations between the United States and Iran.

As a result, Israeli officials are reportedly relying on fragmented intelligence gathered through regional diplomatic channels, their own intelligence operations, and monitoring developments inside Iran in an effort to assess the broader direction of the talks.

Israeli officials believe a parallel negotiation process is emerging in which Israel’s influence over decision-making has been substantially reduced.

By Sabina Mammadli