Iran's Foreign Ministry has dismissed a report released by the Department of Justice claiming that it thwarted an Iranian plot to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump. The criminal complaint filed in a New York City federal court alleged that an official in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps instructed an individual to surveil and assassinate Trump.
The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry categorically rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and part of a malicious conspiracy orchestrated by anti-Iranian circles. The ministry emphasized that Iran remains committed to using legitimate and legal means to protect its national interests.
The individual accused of being involved in the plot, Farhad Shakeri, who is currently at large and believed to be in Iran, faces charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and money laundering conspiracy. Two other individuals, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathon Loadholt, were allegedly tasked with surveilling and killing an American of Iranian origin for financial gain.
The DOJ report also mentioned journalist Masih Alinejad, who has been targeted by the Iranian government. Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned the Iranian regime's actions, stating that the US will not tolerate threats to national security.
In addition to the murder-for-hire charges, Shakeri has been accused of conspiring to provide support to a foreign terrorist organization and violating economic sanctions against Iran. These charges carry significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison.
