In a significant development that further escalates tensions between Iran and the United States, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has categorically denied allegations made by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump before the 2024 presidential election.
The DOJ, in a criminal complaint filed in a federal court in New York City last week, accused an Iranian official of instructing Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian national, to orchestrate the assassination of Trump. The complaint alleges that Shakeri, who remains at large and is believed to be in Iran, received this assignment on October 7, 2024.
Furthermore, according to reports by Fox News, Shakeri is also implicated in the recruitment of two New York men to eliminate an Iranian-American critic of the Iranian regime for a sum of $100,000.
Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, strongly refuted these allegations on Saturday, labeling them as “completely baseless and rejected.” Baghaei attributed these accusations to a “malicious conspiracy orchestrated by Zionist and anti-Iranian circles.” He further stated that Iran remains committed to using all legitimate and legal means at domestic and international levels to “restore the rights of the Iranian nation.”
This development comes amidst a period of heightened tensions between Iran and the US, which have been strained over various issues. The allegations, if proven true, could significantly escalate the already strained relations between the two nations. However, Iran’s forceful denial suggests a strong pushback against these claims.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for diplomatic relations and regional stability in the Middle East. It remains to be seen how both countries will respond to these allegations and the potential consequences for their ongoing relationship.
Shakeri, along with the two New York men, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathon Loadholt, face charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and money laundering conspiracy. Shakeri is additionally charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and violating sanctions against the Government of Iran.
