Pakistani National Convicted in Iran-Backed Plot to Assassinate U.S. Officials

A federal jury in New York has convicted Asif Merchant, a 47-year-old Pakistani national, on charges of murder-for-hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was found guilty of plotting to assassinate U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, in a scheme allegedly orchestrated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to court documents, Merchant traveled to the United States in 2023 under the direction of the IRGC to recruit individuals for the assassination plot. He contacted an acquaintance in April 2024, seeking assistance in hiring hitmen. This individual alerted law enforcement, leading to an undercover operation where Merchant met with agents posing as hitmen in June 2024. During this meeting, Merchant paid a $5,000 advance for the planned assassinations. He was arrested in July 2024 before any attacks could be carried out.

Merchant testified that he acted under duress, fearing for his family's safety in Iran after being approached by an IRGC intelligence operative. He claimed his intention was for U.S. authorities to apprehend him before any harm was done, hoping this would earn him leniency and possibly a green card.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "The Justice Department will not tolerate Iran’s efforts to target our country’s public officials and endanger our national security."

Merchant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. His conviction comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following recent joint U.S.-Israeli military operations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.