Pakistani man found guilty in Iran-backed plot to kill US politicians

March 7, 2026

A 47-year-old Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, has been convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn for orchestrating an assassination plot against high-ranking American officials, including Donald Trump, on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. After arriving in the United States from Pakistan in April 2024, Merchant attempted to recruit what he thought was a hitman but actually contacted undercover law enforcement officers who thwarted the scheme before any attacks occurred. During his trial, Merchant admitted the IRGC directed him to target Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley to avenge the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, though he claimed he acted under duress due to threats against his Iranian relatives.

Who is affected

Asif Merchant (the convicted defendant facing life in prison)
Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley (intended assassination targets)
Merchant's Iranian relatives (allegedly threatened by IRGC handlers)
Iranian government's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
US law enforcement agencies and the US Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of New York

What action is being taken

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Why it matters

This case demonstrates Iran's continued efforts to conduct retaliatory operations on American soil for the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani, representing a direct threat to US national security and top political leaders. The conviction shows that foreign governments are actively attempting to recruit operatives to assassinate high-ranking American officials, highlighting ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. The successful interdiction by US law enforcement illustrates the effectiveness of intelligence and counterterrorism efforts in preventing such attacks before they can be executed.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC