Iranian Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Trump Disclosed by DOJ

Iranian Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Trump Disclosed by DOJ \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Justice Department revealed an Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump, involving Farhad Shakeri, an alleged Iranian government asset. Shakeri claimed a Revolutionary Guard contact ordered him to plan the murder before the recent election. The plot highlights ongoing Iranian efforts to target U.S. officials and dissidents, reflecting heightened tensions following U.S. policies under Trump’s administration.

DOJ Reveals Iranian Plot Against Trump: Quick Looks

• Plot Disclosed: DOJ unsealed charges against Farhad Shakeri for an assassination plot targeting President-elect Donald Trump.
• Iranian Orders: Shakeri said he was tasked by a Revolutionary Guard official to devise the plan within a week, assuming Trump would lose and become an easier target.
• Broader Conspiracy: Shakeri is also implicated in plans to harm Jewish-American residents in New York and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka.
• Related Arrests: Two associates, Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, were detained for involvement in a plot against journalist Masih Alinejad.
• Alinejad’s Reaction: Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, targeted in prior plots, expressed gratitude to law enforcement for foiling another attempt.
• FBI and DOJ Statements: AG Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray stressed the severe threat posed by Iran to U.S. national security.
• Trump’s Response: Spokesman Steven Cheung said Trump is aware of the threats but remains committed to his plans for office.

Deep Look

On Friday, the Justice Department exposed a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Iranian agents aimed at assassinating President-elect Donald Trump. The plot was revealed in a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Manhattan, detailing how Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian government operative and former convict, disclosed the plan to U.S. investigators.

Shakeri, who previously served 14 years in American prisons for robbery before being deported, claimed that he was contacted by a Revolutionary Guard official in September. The contact allegedly instructed Shakeri to pause his other activities and prioritize a plan to surveil and kill Trump, providing a seven-day timeframe. The official emphasized that significant financial resources had already been committed, telling Shakeri that “money’s not an issue.”

If Shakeri failed to devise a feasible plan in time, the official purportedly stated that the operation would be postponed until after the election, assuming Trump would be a more accessible target if defeated. Despite these warnings, Shakeri remains at large in Iran.

Additional Arrests and Connections

While Shakeri is still in Iran, authorities arrested Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, whom Shakeri allegedly recruited in a separate plot to kill Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad. Alinejad, who has been a target in previous assassination attempts, expressed her shock and gratitude to U.S. authorities for their ongoing protection. Speaking from Berlin, Alinejad noted that this marked the third attempt on her life.

“I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speech — I don’t want to die,” Alinejad said on social media, calling on the U.S. government to enhance national security measures.

The criminal complaint highlighted that Shakeri disclosed information about these plots during recorded phone calls with FBI agents while in Iran. Though officials identified inconsistencies in some of his statements, his claims about a plot to kill Trump and Iran’s readiness to fund it were corroborated.

Historical Context and Ongoing Threats

The exposure of this plot comes shortly after Trump’s victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the presidential election, underscoring persistent security challenges tied to Iran. Attorney General Merrick Garland described Iran as one of the greatest threats to U.S. security, while FBI Director Christopher Wray called attention to Iran’s continued efforts to target U.S. figures, including government officials and dissenters.

Recent history between Washington and Tehran adds context to the assassination plot. The Trump administration’s policies, which included withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, imposing strict sanctions, and ordering the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, strained relations further and incited promises of retaliation from Iranian leadership. Intelligence agencies have long reported that Iran viewed Trump’s presidency as a significant obstacle and opposed his reelection.

In addition to the murder plot, the Justice Department previously charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran for planning attacks on American officials. Iran also conducted a cyber operation to hack and leak emails of Trump campaign associates, a move believed to have aimed at influencing the presidential election.

Public and Political Reactions

Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, stated that while the president-elect was aware of the plot, it would not deter him from returning to office with the aim of restoring peace globally. The Iranian government, through its U.N. Mission, declined to comment on the allegations.

Shakeri’s story is further complicated by his background: an Afghan national who emigrated to the U.S. as a child but was deported following his prison term. His alleged connections extended beyond the Trump plot, involving plans to target Jewish-Americans in New York and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. Authorities highlighted that he interacted with Rivera and an unidentified co-conspirator during his time in prison.

U.S. Government’s Response

The disclosure of this murder plot reiterates the U.S. government’s focus on countering foreign threats, particularly those involving state-sponsored violence. Garland’s and Wray’s remarks point to a broader pattern of aggressive tactics by Iran against its perceived enemies. These include not only political leaders but also figures like Alinejad, who challenge Tehran’s policies from abroad.

More on US News

Iranian Murder Iranian Murder