Pakistani Man Alleges Iran Forced Him Into Plot to Kill Trump

Asif Merchant claims he did not willingly work with Iran's Revolutionary Guards on the alleged assassination plan.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A Pakistani man accused of planning to kill former President Donald Trump told jurors that he did not willingly work with Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to devise the plot, according to media reports. Asif Merchant said he participated to protect his family in Tehran, but prosecutors rejected his claim of duress or coercion.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with allegations of Iranian involvement in plots against American political figures. It also raises questions about the tactics and reach of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which wield significant military and economic power within the country.

The details

Merchant is on trial for terrorism and murder-for-hire charges related to the alleged plot. He claims he was never ordered to kill a specific person, but that his Iranian handler named Trump, former President Joe Biden, and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley as potential targets. Prosecutors have disputed Merchant's claim of being coerced, citing a lack of evidence.

  • The trial started last week, just days before Trump ordered strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials.
  • Trump cited the alleged Iranian plot when speaking about the joint U.S.-Israeli operation that killed Khamenei on Sunday.

The players

Asif Merchant

A Pakistani man accused of planning to kill former President Donald Trump.

Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps

Iran's elite military and intelligence force, which Merchant claims coerced him into the alleged assassination plot.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who was allegedly targeted in the plot.

Joe Biden

The current U.S. president who was allegedly named as a potential target in the plot.

Nikki Haley

The former UN ambassador who unsuccessfully sought the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and was allegedly named as a potential target.

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What they’re saying

“I was not wanting to do this so willingly.”

— Asif Merchant, Defendant (The New York Times)

“I got him before he got me.”

— Donald Trump (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow Merchant to claim duress or coercion as a defense.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and allegations of plots between the U.S. and Iran, with Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards accused of involvement. It raises questions about the tactics and reach of Iran's security apparatus and the challenges of prosecuting such cases.