Pakistani Man Convicted in Plot to Assassinate U.S. President for Iran

Asif Raza Merchant found guilty of murder for hire and terrorism charges after admitting to working with Iran's Revolutionary Guard

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal jury in Brooklyn, New York has found Asif Raza Merchant, a 47-year-old Pakistani national, guilty of plotting to assassinate a sitting U.S. president on behalf of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Merchant admitted in court that he came to the U.S. in 2024 to scout potential recruits, steal documents, stage disruptive protests, and arrange the killing of a senior American political figure or government official, with then-President Donald Trump, then-President Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley as potential targets. Merchant was arrested in July 2024 after paying undercover FBI agents $5,000 as an advance payment for the assassination plot.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of foreign adversaries like Iran attempting to meddle in U.S. politics and target American leaders. It also raises concerns about the ability of individuals with international ties to gain access to the U.S. and plan attacks on home soil. The conviction of Merchant underscores the vigilance of U.S. law enforcement in thwarting such plots.

The details

Merchant testified that he was recruited by an officer of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in late 2022 or early 2023 and received training in countersurveillance and espionage. He was sent to the U.S. in 2023 to scout for potential IRGC recruits, and by 2024 his mission had escalated to stealing documents, staging protests, and arranging an assassination. Merchant contacted a New York acquaintance, Nadeem Ali, who reported him to law enforcement. Ali set up meetings between Merchant and undercover FBI agents, where Merchant paid $5,000 as an advance payment for the assassination plot. Prosecutors presented video evidence of Merchant sketching out the assassination scenario during these meetings.

  • In late 2022 or early 2023, Merchant was recruited by an IRGC officer in Iran.
  • In 2023, Merchant was sent to the U.S. on an initial assignment to scout for potential IRGC recruits.
  • By 2024, Merchant's instructions had escalated to include stealing documents, staging protests, and arranging an assassination.
  • On June 21, 2024, Merchant paid $5,000 in cash to undercover FBI agents as an advance payment for the assassination plot.
  • Merchant was arrested on July 12, 2024.

The players

Asif Raza Merchant

A 47-year-old Pakistani national who was convicted of plotting to assassinate a U.S. president on behalf of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Nadeem Ali

A New York acquaintance of Merchant who reported Merchant's approach to law enforcement and became a confidential informant.

Mehrdad Yousef

An officer of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who recruited Merchant and provided him with training in countersurveillance and espionage.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who was one of the potential targets identified by Merchant's IRGC handler.

Joe Biden

The former U.S. president who was one of the potential targets identified by Merchant's IRGC handler.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now we're bonded. Now we know we're going forward. We're doing this.”

— Undercover FBI Agent (Department of Justice)

“Yes, absolutely.”

— Asif Raza Merchant (Department of Justice)

“I was going along with it.”

— Asif Raza Merchant (Court Reports)

What’s next

Merchant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The judge in the case will decide on his sentencing at a later date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of foreign adversaries like Iran attempting to meddle in U.S. politics and target American leaders. It underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the justice system in thwarting such plots to protect the integrity of American democracy.