Pakistani Man Convicted in US for Iran-Linked Plot to Assassinate Trump and Officials

Asif Raza Merchant, a Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was convicted in a Brooklyn federal court for plotting to assassinate U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump. The plot, motivated by retaliation for the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, involved attempts to hire hitmen and steal documents. Merchant testified he was coerced to participate to protect his family. He faces potential life imprisonment, while Iran denies involvement. The plan was foiled by U.S. law enforcement before any attack occurred.