Iran fears ceasefire negotiations may be a trap targeting high-ranking officials—The Wall Street Journal

LootboxPhobia · 2026-03-24T12:25:06+00:00

According to the Wall Street Journal, Iran is taking a cautious stance toward ceasefire agreement efforts, concerned that negotiations could threaten high-level leadership security. Tehran fears that face-to-face talks could lead to assassination of the parliamentary speaker. Although communications between the United States and Iran are ongoing, no agreement has been reached and fighting continues. Analysts point out that despite Trump's potential desire to ease tensions, reaching an agreement remains fraught with challenges.

LootboxPhobia

2026-03-24 12:25:06

Abstract generation in progress

Investing.com — According to The Wall Street Journal, citing Iranian officials and Arab officials familiar with the discussions, Iran is becoming increasingly cautious about efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, worried that negotiations could put senior leaders at greater risk.

Upgrade to InvestingPro to stay updated on our breaking news — now at 50% off.

The Wall Street Journal reports that officials in Tehran are concerned that face-to-face talks might be used as an excuse to assassinate Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, one of the few senior officials to have avoided Israeli attacks so far.

The report adds that Iran is also skeptical of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after what he called “productive” talks, believing the move may be aimed at suppressing oil prices before military action resumes. Multiple reports indicate that indirect communication between the U.S. and Iran is ongoing but still in the early stages, with no agreement imminent, and fighting continues while U.S. military assets in the region are increasing.

Vital Knowledge analyst Adam Crisafulli said that although Trump’s five-day deadline for Iran may change, the U.S. president appears eager to de-escalate the situation.

“Given that the economy is arguably on a more serious cliff than during the COVID-19 pandemic or tariffs, combined with Trump’s self-preservation instincts, the likelihood of halting hostilities is greater.”

However, Crisafulli warned that reaching an agreement will be challenging.

“Ending hostilities is easier said than done. The Pentagon cannot fully control how and when the war ends,” he said, noting the differing risk tolerances between the U.S. and Israel, and that Tehran may resist surrender.

Additionally, Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, succeeding Ali Larijani, who was killed in last week’s Israeli attack.

This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. For more information, please see our Terms of Use.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

1 Likes