Alleged Iranian Plot to Assassinate Trump Revealed in US Trial

Prosecutors claim Iranian paramilitary group was involved in foiled 2024 plot targeting then-candidate Trump

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a federal trial in New York, prosecutors are alleging that Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was involved in a foiled 2024 assassination plot that targeted then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The case centers around Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national accused of trying to hire hitmen to kill a U.S. politician, though he did not name a specific target. Prosecutors claim Merchant told FBI agents he had a Revolutionary Guard 'handler' who he believed would help fund the plot.

Why it matters

The alleged Iranian involvement in the assassination plot adds another layer of tension to the already strained relationship between the U.S. and Iran, which is now engaged in a widening war. The trial is unfolding against this backdrop of heightened regional conflict.

The details

According to an FBI agent's testimony, Merchant told investigators he had a Revolutionary Guard 'handler' in Iran who he believed would help bankroll the assassination plan. Merchant is accused of meeting with undercover FBI agents, telling them he wanted to 'kill someone' - possibly a 'political person' - and handing them $5,000 in cash. He was arrested in Texas in July 2024 as he was preparing to fly back to Pakistan.

  • In July 2024, Merchant was interviewed by FBI agents and allegedly made statements about his Revolutionary Guard 'handler'.
  • In June 2024, Merchant was recorded on tape telling undercover FBI agents he wanted to 'kill someone' - possibly a 'political person'.
  • On July 12, 2024, Merchant was arrested in Texas as he was packing to fly back to Pakistan.

The players

Asif Merchant

A 47-year-old Pakistani national accused of trying to hire hitmen to kill a U.S. politician. Merchant has pleaded not guilty to attempted terrorism and other charges.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who was a presidential candidate in 2024 and was allegedly a target of the foiled assassination plot.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Iran's paramilitary force that prosecutors claim was involved in the alleged assassination plot targeting Trump.

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What they’re saying

“This trial is happening in interesting times.”

— Judge Eric Komitee, Presiding Judge (Court Proceedings)

“If he noticed he was being surveilled, he should act normal.”

— Asif Merchant (FBI Agent Testimony)

“I got him before he got me.”

— Donald Trump (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Asif Merchant out on bail.

The takeaway

This trial highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with allegations of the Iranian paramilitary group IRGC being involved in a foiled plot to assassinate a former U.S. president. The case underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the potential for escalation between the two nations.