Iran Ordered an Operative to Assassinate Trump Before the Election, Federal Prosecutors Say

Tehran Directive Plotted to Kill Former President

Alleged Assassination Plot Was 'At the Direction' of Iranian Officials

Iranian officials are accused of orchestrating a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump before the 2020 election, according to federal prosecutors.

The plot, allegedly directed by Iranian officials, was discovered after a joint investigation by the FBI and the Department of Justice.

A federal indictment alleges that an Iranian operative named Shahram Poursafi was recruited to travel to the United States to carry out the assassination.

Plot Allegedly Sanctioned by Iranian Officials

The indictment claims that Poursafi was directed by Iranian officials to travel to the United States by various means, including commercial airlines or by boat, and to assassinate Trump before the election.

Prosecutors allege that Poursafi was instructed to travel in disguise and to use encrypted communications to avoid detection.

Poursafi was allegedly promised a substantial reward for carrying out the assassination.

Alleged Operative Tracked Former President's Movements

According to the indictment, Poursafi researched Trump's travel plans and movements and identified potential locations where he could carry out the assassination.

Prosecutors allege that Poursafi also conducted surveillance on Trump's residences and businesses.

Poursafi allegedly used social media to track Trump's movements and to gather information about his security arrangements.

Plot Disrupted by FBI and Justice Department

The plot was disrupted by the FBI and the Department of Justice before Poursafi could carry out the assassination.

Poursafi was arrested in October 2021 and charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.

He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go on trial in March 2023.

Iran Denies Involvement

The Iranian government has denied any involvement in the alleged assassination plot.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called the accusations "baseless" and "fabricated."

The Iranian government has also accused the United States of trying to damage Iran's reputation.

Plot Highlights Growing Iran-US Tensions

The alleged assassination plot highlights the growing tensions between Iran and the United States.

The two countries have been at odds over numerous issues, including Iran's nuclear program, its support for terrorist groups, and its human rights record.

The alleged assassination plot is a serious escalation in tensions between the two countries.