Israel and Iran secretly exchanged guarantees through Russia - without preemptive strikes

Israel and Iran gave each other closed assurances of no preemptive strikes in late December 2025, using Russia's mediation. This was reported by The Washington Post, citing diplomats and regional officials with knowledge of the talks.

According to the newspaper, Israel has made it clear to Tehran through Russian channels that it does not plan to strike Iran unless it is attacked. In response, the Iranian side also declared its readiness to refrain from preventive actions. This exchange took place against the backdrop of Israel's preparation of a large-scale military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and on the eve of mass protests in Iran.

According to the publication's interlocutors, the contacts were atypical given the long-standing enmity between Israel and Iran, which in June were already in a short-term armed confrontation. At the same time, Iran was cautious about Israel's guarantees, fearing that the United States could strike Iranian targets in coordination with Tel Aviv.

The situation has become more complicated after the outbreak of protests in Iran and the authorities' tough actions. According to analysts, US President Donald Trump is considering options to put pressure on the Iranian regime, including possible strikes, which could destroy the informal agreements. At the same time, Israeli officials publicly emphasise the defensive nature of their actions, but do not rule out a new operation against Hezbollah regardless of the developments around Iran.

The latest exchange of messages between Israel and Iran, according to sources, took place after the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Moscow. Russia has repeatedly tried to mediate between the parties and has also offered the US its own role in resolving regional tensions.

Photo Ammar Awad/Reuters

Israel, Iran, Russia, secret talks, Middle East