Iran fears Trump's ceasefire talks could be a trap to kill regime’s last surviving leader: Report

TEHRAN, IRAN: Tensions are escalating in Tehran as Iranian officials are reportedly worried that US-led ceasefire talks could be a calculated trap aimed at eliminating Iran's top leaders. 

The fears grow amid mounting casualties and damage from ongoing strikes, as well as increasing concerns about further escalation.

The conflict entered its 25th day on March 24, following the initial US-Israel missile strike on February 28, 2026. 

On the other hand, Trump said he is giving Iran an additional five days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while postponing strikes on Iran’s power plants amid ongoing talks. He also claimed that US envoys are in contact with a respected Iranian leader who is interested in reaching a deal.

Tehran feels Trump’s ceasefire push might hide a plot to kill Iranian leaders

Iranian officials are allegedly concerned that US-led peace talks could be a trap to target one of the country’s few remaining top leaders, the Wall Street Journal reported. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, a former paramilitary commander who survived recent airstrikes, is believed to be a main target and wanted by the US for any peace negotiations.

According to the WSJ, Tehran reportedly believes that Trump’s recent decision to delay attacks on Iran’s energy facilities is not really about making peace, but about keeping oil prices under control before possibly launching more strikes.

On Monday, March 23, however, Ghalibaf denied that Iran is engaged in any negotiations with the US, warning that “fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.” Meanwhile, Trump claimed that talks are currently underway and Iran is seeking a deal to end the conflict as it enters its fourth week.

Trump claims Iran wants 'to make a deal' with the US

On Monday, he told reporters that his Middle East special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, held discussions on Sunday, March 22, that went late into the evening.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said the US would retrieve Iran's enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement with the Islamic Republic. "It's very easy, if we have a deal with them, we're going down, and we'll take it ourselves."

The President also said any deal with Iran would include ending the country's nuclear capabilities.

Trump did not say the name of any official or officials from Tehran he has spoken with. He also said the US has not been in contact with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

He added that if a deal gets done with Iran, the US would move to take possession of Iran’s uranium that is important to its controversial nuclear program. “We want to see no nuclear bomb, no nuclear weapon. Not even close to it,” he said.