A Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, was convicted by a US jury in New York for conspiring to assassinate prominent US politicians, including President Donald Trump, on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (CGRI). The plot, planned for 2024, was thwarted before any attack occurred.
Key points
- Merchant, a 47-year-old merchant, was convicted of 'murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries.'
- Potential targets included then-President Joe Biden, Nikki Haley, and Donald Trump.
- The alleged plot was in retaliation for the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
- Merchant testified he joined unwillingly to protect his family in Tehran, claiming he intended to cooperate with US authorities.
- The trial began shortly before Trump ordered an assault on Iran, which has expanded into a major regional conflict.
Why it matters
The conviction highlights ongoing international tensions involving Iran and the US, particularly concerning alleged state-sponsored terrorism against US political figures.
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