Trial Seeks to Link Iranian Paramilitary to Alleged U.S. Assassination Plot

Prosecutors claim the Revolutionary Guard was involved in a foiled 2024 plot targeting then-candidate Donald Trump.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A criminal trial in New York is examining claims that Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was entangled in a foiled 2024 assassination plot that eyed then-candidate Donald Trump as a possible target. The alleged scheme is at the center of the trial of Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national accused of trying to hire hit men to kill a U.S. politician, though he did not name a specific target. Prosecutors have introduced evidence that Merchant's laptop contained photos of both Trump and then-President Joe Biden.

Why it matters

The trial is unfolding against the backdrop of a widening war between the U.S. and Iran, with the alleged plot seen as an example of Iran's 'lethal plotting against Americans' according to former Attorney General Merrick Garland. The case also raises questions about the Revolutionary Guard's potential involvement in attacks on U.S. soil.

The details

An FBI agent testified that Merchant told her he had a Revolutionary Guard 'handler' and believed the handler would help bankroll the assassination plan. Merchant's lawyers have portrayed his trips to Iran as religious pilgrimages and family time, but federal authorities have suggested he had ties to Iran's government. Prosecutors played recordings of Merchant discussing the plot with undercover FBI agents, including his request to 'maybe kill someone' who was a 'political person'.

  • In July 2024, Merchant was recorded meeting undercover FBI agents and handing them $5,000 in cash.
  • On July 12, 2024, Merchant was arrested in Texas as he was packing to fly back to Pakistan.
  • A day after Merchant's arrest, a Pennsylvania man made an attempt on Trump's life at a campaign event.

The players

Asif Merchant

A 47-year-old Pakistani national accused of trying to hire hit men 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 possible target of the alleged assassination plot.

Joe Biden

The former U.S. president who was a rival of Trump's at the time of the alleged plot.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

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

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran's late Supreme Leader who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack.

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What they’re saying

“This trial is happening in interesting times.”

— Judge Eric Komitee

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

— Asif Merchant's Revolutionary Guard handler

“I got him before he got me.”

— Donald Trump (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Asif Merchant out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the U.S. government's concerns about potential Iranian involvement in assassination plots on American soil, raising questions about the Revolutionary Guard's activities and the ongoing tensions between the two countries.