US court finds Pakistani man guilty in Iran-linked plot to assassinate Trump

NEW YORK: A United States federal court in Brooklyn has found a Pakistani national guilty of participating in a plot allegedly connected to Iran, aimed at assassinating former US President Donald Trump or other American officials. The verdict was delivered on Friday, according to information provided by prosecutors.

Prosecutors stated that Asif Raza Merchant, the accused, had attempted to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination of a US politician or government official. The alleged motive behind the plot was retaliation for the US military's killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in a drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. Since Soleimani’s death, Iranian authorities have repeatedly vowed to avenge his killing.

During the trial, Merchant testified that he was coerced into participating in the plot to protect his family, who were residing in Tehran, from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. He told the court that he believed he would be apprehended before any assassination could take place. Merchant also stated that he was never given explicit orders to kill a specific individual, but acknowledged that his Iranian contact had mentioned the possibility of targeting a prominent US figure.

The case has drawn attention due to the alleged involvement of Iranian operatives and the high-profile nature of the intended targets. Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the charges, highlighting the international dimensions of the plot and the potential threat to US officials.

Qassem Soleimani, who led Iran’s foreign military operations, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by the Trump administration. His death significantly heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with Iranian leaders publicly declaring their intent to seek retribution.

The court’s decision marks a significant development in ongoing efforts by US authorities to address alleged plots against American officials linked to foreign actors. Further details regarding sentencing or potential appeals were not provided in the information released by prosecutors.