WaPo: Israel and Iran Pledge No First Strike in Secret Russian-Mediated Talks

According to The Washington Post, Israel and Iran have exchanged secret messages via Russian mediation, committing to refrain from attacking one another. Sources reveal that Israel initiated the exchange in late December, assuring Tehran that it would not launch military action unless provoked. Iran reportedly responded through Moscow, pledging to avoid a preemptive strike on Israel.

This clandestine de-escalation aims to serve both nations' immediate strategic interests: Israel seeks to isolate Hezbollah ahead of a potential operation in Lebanon, while Iran aims to stabilize its domestic front amid widespread protests. However, Tehran remains wary that this "non-aggression pact" might not apply if the U.S. decides to intervene militarily, leaving the coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv as a major wildcard.