DOJ Reveals Assassination Plot Charges Amid Concerns Over Trump’s Iran Policy
As Donald Trump prepares for his potential return to the presidency, the U.S. Department of Justice disclosed on Friday that an Afghan national has been charged with plotting to kill the former President. This plot was allegedly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite Trump having survived two unrelated shooting attempts during his campaign, this new accusation adds tension to the already strained U.S.-Iran relations.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the severity of the threat from Iran in a statement, where he announced the charges against Farhad Shakeri, described as an Iranian agent. Shakeri allegedly led a criminal network aiming to carry out Iran’s assassination plans, including targeting Trump.
Garland further mentioned the arrest of two Americans, Jonathon Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, implicated in a scheme to murder a U.S. journalist critical of Iran, on American soil. Unlike the New York-based duo who are now in custody, Shakeri is believed to be in Iran. Garland emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting national security against Iranian threats.
The targeted journalist was not named by the DOJ, but according to Reuters, the description matches Masih Alinejad, who has opposed Iran’s mandatory headscarf law. Previously, four Iranians were charged in 2021 with her attempted kidnapping, and in 2022, a man with a rifle was arrested outside her residence.
This announcement came on the heels of another charge in August by Brooklyn federal prosecutors against a Pakistani man. This individual allegedly plotted on Iran’s behalf to assassinate prominent U.S. figures, possibly including Trump, by attempting to hire hitmen.
In September, after being briefed on potential threats from Iran, Trump, at a campaign rally, warned of severe retaliation against any harm, promising to utterly destroy Iranian cities if provoked. His remarks were quickly condemned by the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) as dangerously aggressive and counterproductive.
The NIAC responded to the DOJ’s announcement on social media, stressing that threats against political figures are unacceptable and only serve to escalate conflicts. They urged a focus on dialogue over threats to resolve such critical issues.
Trump’s Historical Stance and Its Implications
During his first term, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, significantly increased sanctions on Iran, and ordered the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq. These actions have raised alarms about a potential U.S. conflict with Iran.
Following Trump’s recent electoral victory, concerns have intensified regarding his aggressive Middle East policies, including support for Israeli military actions in Gaza and other regions. Jamal Abdi, executive director of NIAC Action, expressed deep concerns about the implications for civil liberties and regional stability.
Abdi also noted that Trump’s choice of advisors, including his new vice president, JD Vance, would be crucial in shaping his administration’s approach. He emphasized the importance of community resilience and proactive engagement in advocating for peace and justice.
Reports from CNN and Politico indicate that Brian Hook, known for his hardline stance on Iran, is expected to lead Trump’s State Department transition team. According to Murtaza Hussain of Drop Site News, Trump’s previous Iran policy was heavily influenced by figures like John Bolton and Mike Pompeo, who advocated for maximum pressure on Iran. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft suggested that while Trump may personally be open to negotiating with Iran, his administration’s approach will largely depend on whether he reappoints neoconservatives known for their aggressive strategies.
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