Tensions Rise Over Unsealed Iranian Plot Targeting Trump and U.S. Figures
An alarming murder-for-hire conspiracy involving Iran and targeting prominent U.S. figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, has come to light, raising significant concerns over international diplomacy and national security strategies.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that 51-year-old Farhad Shakeri faces charges for orchestrating a murder plot against Trump, allegedly under orders from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Shakeri’s location is currently unknown, but he is believed to be residing in Iran.
In addition, two men from New York, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathon Loadholt, were charged with involvement in a separate plot to assassinate an Iranian American journalist critical of Tehran’s government. This highlights the regime’s broader strategy to silence dissent and avenge the 2020 death of Qasem Soleimani, a top IRGC commander killed by a U.S. strike.
The Justice Department’s announcement sheds light on Iran’s persistent efforts to threaten U.S. nationals and allies. FBI Director Christopher Wray stated, “The charges announced today expose Iran’s continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran.”
The IRGC, identified as a terrorist organization by the U.S., allegedly uses criminal networks to execute its plans against American citizens. “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — a designated foreign terrorist organization — has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil and that simply won’t be tolerated,” Wray added. The FBI’s intervention was crucial in thwarting these plots, as Wray emphasized their resolve to protect U.S. citizens.
The criminal complaint reveals that Shakeri was instructed by the IRGC in September to prioritize surveilling and planning the assassination of Donald Trump, identified as “Victim-4.” There was speculation within the IRGC that Trump’s potential electoral defeat would make him more vulnerable.
In response to the threats, President Joe Biden’s administration issued a stark warning to Iran in October, labeling any assassination attempt on Trump as an “act of war.” Despite being briefed on these plots, the administration has yet to clarify its next moves regarding the latest revelations.
Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national who was deported from the U.S. after serving prison time for armed robbery, reportedly provides the IRGC with contacts for carrying out surveillance and assassination missions. Prosecutors allege that Rivera and Loadholt are part of his criminal network, tasked with targeting journalist Masih Alinejad, known for her reports on human rights abuses by Iran.
In reaction to the threats, Alinejad expressed her determination to continue her work, writing, “I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speech — I don’t want to die,” in an X post. She called for U.S. government action to safeguard national security.
Iranian foreign ministry representative Esmail Baghaei dismissed the DOJ’s allegations, suggesting they were part of a broader agenda to worsen U.S.-Iran relations. According to a report by The Associated Press, Baghaei characterized the accusations as “a disgusting plot by the Zionist and anti-Iran circles.”
Meanwhile, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul urged for decisive action from the Biden administration to reinforce support for Israel amid mounting threats from Iran. In a letter, McCaul emphasized the need for unity between the U.S. and Israel to counteract adversarial actions by Iran and its proxies.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
