Pakistani Businessman Testifies on Alleged Iranian Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians
Pakistani businessman Asif Merchant testified in a New York federal court about his alleged involvement in an Iranian plot to assassinate U.S. politicians, claiming he acted under duress to protect his family.
Pakistani businessman Asif Merchant testified in a New York federal court on Wednesday, detailing his alleged involvement in a plot orchestrated by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to assassinate U.S. politicians. Merchant, 47, claimed he acted under duress, fearing for the safety of his family in Iran.
Merchant recounted that his handler within the Revolutionary Guard instructed him to seek out U.S. residents willing to work for Iran. He was tasked with various assignments, including organizing protests, committing theft, laundering money, and potentially arranging a murder. Merchant stated that potential targets included Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley.
In June 2024, Merchant met with individuals he believed to be hitmen but who were actually undercover FBI agents. He paid them $5,000 as an advance for the planned assassination. Merchant was arrested on July 12, 2024, before any attack could be carried out.
During cross-examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Gupta asked, "You traveled to the United States for the purpose of hiring Mafia members to kill a politician, correct?" Merchant responded, "That's right."
Merchant's defense argues that he was coerced into the plot due to threats against his family in Iran. Prosecutors contend that he did not seek assistance from law enforcement before his arrest, questioning the credibility of his duress claim.
The trial continues as both sides present their arguments regarding Merchant's alleged role in the assassination plot.