Israel, Iran engaged in secret indirect exchanges – report

Iran’s response was non-binding, with Tehran emphasizing that it rejected any framework implying coordination.

By World Israel News Staff

Israel and Iran have recently engaged in secret, indirect exchanges, according to a report published Tuesday by Israel’s N12, citing the regional outlet Amwaj.media, which is regarded as having reliable sources in Tehran.

According to the report, the messages were conveyed through Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to prevent further security escalation, amid growing reports of possible additional Israeli strikes.

The exchanges did not constitute a ceasefire or any broader agreement, and no guarantees, timelines, or enforcement mechanisms were established. Sources described the contacts as a limited effort to manage tensions at a specific moment.

A Middle Eastern source cited by Amwaj claimed the communications began after a reported request by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to relay a message to Iran, via a mediator, indicating that Israel was not seeking military escalation.

Iran’s response, delivered through the same channel, was described as non-binding, with Tehran emphasizing that it rejected any framework implying coordination or obligation.

An Iranian official confirmed that indirect communication had taken place but stressed that “there is no ceasefire agreement.” Instead, the official characterized the exchanges as a “mutual message to a shared intermediary about refraining from new attacks.”

The intermediary, according to assessments cited in the report, was Russian President Vladimir Putin. Each side, the official said, separately informed the mediator of its intention not to renew hostilities.

The report emerged as U.S. President Donald Trump said he would “absolutely” support Israeli strikes if Iran continued rebuilding its missile or nuclear capabilities, warning that any such buildup would be swiftly destroyed.

Iran’s Supreme Leader adviser Ali Shamkhani responded by cautioning that any attack would trigger an “immediate harsh response.”

Despite the reported backchannel exchanges, there appears to be little genuine cooperation or meaningful progress toward de-escalation, with contacts remaining limited and non-binding as public rhetoric from Washington, Jerusalem, and Tehran continues to intensify.