United States Thwarts Assassination Plot Linked to Iranian Retaliation
The United States Department of Justice has successfully thwarted a chilling assassination plot aimed at American officials, orchestrated by a Pakistani national with ties to Iran. This incident is a direct response to the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani during a US raid in Baghdad in 2020. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that this operation has been part of a broader effort to counter Iran's attempts to avenge Soleimani's death.
Arrest and Charges Against Asif Merchant
Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani citizen, was arrested by FBI agents on July 12. He was charged with attempting to hire killers to execute his plan on US soil. The FBI managed to convince Merchant that they were professional assassins, leading him to pay $5,000 in advance for the job. The Justice Department has indicated that Merchant was closely linked to Iranian interests, with family ties in Tehran and frequent travels to Iran, Syria, and Iraq. Prosecutors revealed that Merchant had specific instructions for the killings to occur in August or September, after he left the country.
Reactions from Iran and Pakistan
In response to these serious allegations, the Iranian government has categorically denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as unfounded. Meanwhile, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry has stated that they are in communication with the US government, seeking more details regarding the case. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, particularly in the wake of Soleimani's assassination, and raises concerns about potential retaliatory actions against American officials.
