Iran has categorically rejected accusations from the United States that it orchestrated a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, calling the claims “completely unfounded.”
US Charges Afghan National for Alleged Assassination Conspiracy
The controversy erupted after the US Department of Justice announced charges against Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national, for allegedly conspiring with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to kill Trump. According to US authorities, Shakeri claimed he was tasked by the IRGC in September 2024 to monitor Trump’s movements and plan the assassination ahead of the upcoming US presidential election.
Iran Slams Allegations as Part of “Conspiracy”
In a statement issued on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed the US charges as part of a “repulsive conspiracy” involving Israel and other anti-Iranian elements aiming to stoke tensions between Tehran and Washington. Baghaei reiterated that Iran would continue to defend its rights through “legitimate and legal means” and dismissed the accusations as unfounded, pointing to similar false claims made against Iran in the past.
Shakeri Claims IRGC’s Role in Assassination Plan
According to US authorities, Shakeri, who is believed to be in Iran, provided details about the plot after cooperating with law enforcement. He claimed that an IRGC official had pressured him to organize the assassination, offering substantial funding for the operation. Shakeri also suggested the plan was delayed due to the expectation that Trump would lose the election, making it “easier” to carry out the assassination after the election.
Broader Iranian Plot Allegedly Targeted US Citizens
Beyond the assassination plot against Trump, Shakeri reportedly told investigators that he was involved in other murder-for-hire operations on behalf of Iran, including a plot targeting Masih Alinejad, a prominent Iranian-American journalist, and an operation aimed at Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. The Justice Department also charged two men, Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, for their roles in the alleged plot against Alinejad.
US-Iran Tensions Persist Amid Ongoing Investigations
The alleged assassination plot comes amid continued high tensions between the US and Iran, especially following the 2020 US drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s top military commander. The strike, ordered by then-President Trump, remains a point of contention, with Iranian officials vowing to take revenge.
Trump, who won the 2024 election, has not publicly commented on the assassination plot. However, a spokesperson for the president-elect said that Trump was aware of the alleged threat and would remain focused on his political goals to “restore peace” globally.
Iran’s Stance Remains Unchanged
As investigations into the plot continue, Iranian officials have reiterated that their broader foreign policy, particularly their opposition to US actions, remains unchanged despite the results of the US election. Iran’s long-standing opposition to Trump’s policies, especially his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, is unlikely to shift under the incoming administration.
