Israeli Strike Kills Top Iranian Negotiator, Stalling Nuclear Talks

The assassination has drawn sharp criticism from observers and U.S. lawmakers, who characterize the strike as a calculated move by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to derail potential progress between Tehran and the Trump administration. Shamkhani had recently signaled openness to improved relations, telling NBC News last month that a diplomatic breakthrough remained a viable path forward.

While the White House maintains it was not directly involved in the operation, Israel reportedly provided advance notification to Washington. The timing of the attack—occurring just before Sunday’s planned nuclear talks—has left the future of these negotiations in limbo. Iran has responded with a barrage of drones and vows of retaliation, prompting U.S. officials to express concern over the potential for a wider regional conflict. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Andy Kim and Representative Greg Casar, have condemned the escalation, warning that the strike undermines American diplomatic interests and risks dragging the United States into a direct confrontation without congressional authorization.