Israel is killing the people who could end its wars

In early September 2026, Sir John Sawers, former head of Britain's foreign intelligence service, told the Financial Times that Israel had deliberately killed Ali Larijani, one of the few Iranian figures capable of reaching a deal both sides could accept. The author argues this fits a pattern stretching from Iran to Gaza and Lebanon: assassinating designated negotiators at moments when talks are possible removes potential mediators and creates a damaging vacuum of moderation, leaving wars harder to end.