The U.S. Department of Justice recently charged Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian national, with plotting to assassinate former U.S. President and President-elect Donald Trump, along with other violent plans. According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Shakeri, who has alleged ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was part of a broader international plot orchestrated by Iranian officials to silence critics of the regime.
.In addition to targeting Trump, Shakeri was reportedly assigned to carry out attacks on Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka.
300,000 USD Contract to Kill Trump
Shakeri’s plot is one in a series of recent cases showing Iran’s use of proxies and criminal networks to conduct operations abroad. The DOJ alleges that Shakeri was in contact with a transnational crime group and used encrypted communication channels to plan and negotiate details of the assassination attempts. Shakeri reportedly offered $300,000 to contractors who were willing to carry out the plot against Trump, as well as substantial amounts to harm Israeli citizens traveling in Sri Lanka.
IRGC Threat Highlighted By FBI
This case highlights Iran’s ongoing efforts to target opponents of its regime and those it views as hostile, regardless of international boundaries. FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that the agency remains vigilant against such threats, emphasizing that it will pursue Iranian agents who seek to intimidate and harm critics of Iran’s government. The case also underscores the threat posed by IRGC operatives acting abroad and the continuing tension between the U.S. and Iran, especially concerning Iran’s actions against political dissidents and foreign nationals who are critical of its policies.
The DOJ has vowed to bring all parties involved to justice, with U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland affirming that no foreign government will be allowed to undermine the security of U.S. citizens or their allies.
