The Iranian government has strongly rejected allegations by the United States that Tehran orchestrated a plot to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump. The accusations, made public by the US Department of Justice, have been labeled by Iran as “completely unfounded” and part of a larger conspiracy designed to escalate tensions between the two nations.
Plot Unveiled
The US Department of Justice charged Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national reportedly residing in Iran, with conspiracy to kill Trump under the orders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the indictment, Shakeri was allegedly tasked in September 2024 with developing a plan to assassinate Trump before the US presidential election. Authorities claim Shakeri cooperated with law enforcement, revealing details about the plot, which was reportedly delayed until after the election due to assumptions that Trump might lose.
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Additional charges have been filed against two other men, Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, for separate murder-for-hire operations targeting Iranian-American dissident Masih Alinejad and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. US officials claim these operations are part of Iran’s broader strategy to target dissidents and adversaries worldwide.
A “Repulsive Conspiracy”
Iranian officials have categorically denied any involvement in the alleged plot. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, called the accusations a “repulsive conspiracy” orchestrated by Israel and anti-Iranian factions. In a statement, he emphasized Iran’s commitment to defending its rights through “legitimate and legal means.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi echoed this sentiment, calling the allegations “fabricated” and akin to a “third-rate comedy.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Araqchi dismissed the charges as baseless, asserting that they were designed to further strain US-Iran relations in the wake of Trump’s recent presidential victory.
Historical Context and Regional Implications
The alleged assassination plot is viewed against the backdrop of longstanding animosity between Iran and Trump, particularly following the 2020 US drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian military commander. The assassination of Soleimani, authorized by Trump, remains a point of contention, with Iranian officials previously vowing revenge.
Despite the accusations, Iran’s leadership has signaled an openness to dialogue under certain conditions. Analyst Saeed Laylaz suggested that secret talks between Washington and Tehran could be possible if security threats against Iran are lifted. However, Araqchi has emphasized that any path forward must be built on mutual respect.
US Security Concerns and Broader Allegations
The US government has ramped up security measures for Trump, citing the alleged plot and other threats against prominent figures. FBI Director Christopher Wray described the charges as evidence of Iran’s “brazen attempts” to target US citizens, including former officials and dissidents.
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The Justice Department’s revelations also include claims of past Iranian-linked operations, including a July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump by a US citizen. Iranian officials have denied all such allegations, reiterating that their policies are guided by Islamic principles and security needs, not acts of violence.