Federal prosecutors have revealed that in 2024, Iran was behind two assassination plots targeting then-candidate Donald Trump. These plots were part of Iran’s attempts to interfere in the election, aiming to prevent Trump’s return to the White House. The failed plots have resurfaced in the public eye following Trump’s recent announcement about U.S. military strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites.
Operation Midnight Hammer, as Trump called it, targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump declared these strikes a “spectacular military success,” aiming to halt what he described as the nuclear threat from Iran, known for being the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. In his words, the goal was to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions decisively.
Details of the Iranian assassination attempts are laid out in documents from the Justice Department and the FBI. However, these plots are not linked to other assassination attempts against Trump, such as those at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and at his Florida golf course. The allegations highlight the numerous threats Trump faced during his 2024 campaign, showing Iran’s extreme measures to prevent his reelection.
Charges have been brought against Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national, and Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national, for their roles in these plots. Merchant’s plan was vague, but Shakeri’s was more sophisticated and clearly targeted Trump. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) described these plots as “Notable Attack Planning” by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In addition to these assassination attempts, Iran tried to interfere in the 2020 election and continued with similar tactics in 2024. They conducted hack-and-leak operations against Trump’s campaign and, according to prosecutors, plotted to assassinate him. The Iranian regime’s determination to stop Trump was evident through these aggressive actions.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Operation Rising Lion. Israeli jets and drones caused significant damage to Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites. This operation took place with the apparent approval of Trump and the U.S. military, although they were not directly involved.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump would soon decide if the U.S. military would join Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has consistently voiced his belief that Iran is “very close” to acquiring a nuclear weapon. This concern has driven his administration’s actions against Iran.
On Truth Social, Trump celebrated the success of the military operation in Iran, stating, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran.” He praised the American military, claiming no other force could have accomplished such a feat. Trump’s message concluded with a call for peace.
A November 2024 ODNI report discussed “Iranian Plots Against Former U.S. Officials,” linking them to Iran’s desire to avenge General Qassem Soleimani’s death. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020. His death marked a significant moment in Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
During Trump’s first term, he withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, imposed sanctions, and designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Soleimani, a key figure in Iran’s foreign influence operations, was a prime target. Iran has vowed revenge for Soleimani’s death since then.
The assassination plots were discussed in a heated debate between Sen. Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson. Cruz asserted that Iran tried to kill Trump, while Carlson expressed skepticism. This exchange highlighted the differing perspectives on the threats against Trump.
Cruz later emphasized on social media that the Iranian regime’s targeting of Trump was an “objective fact.” Meanwhile, Netanyahu, speaking on Fox News, reiterated Iran’s hostility toward Trump. He described Trump as a decisive leader who did not appease Iran but instead took a firm stance against its nuclear ambitions.
In 2022, Iran released an animation depicting an assassination attempt on Trump, showcasing their ongoing animosity. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, an Iranian aerospace chief, publicly stated Iran’s intent to kill Trump to avenge Soleimani. This rhetoric underscores Iran’s persistent threats against Trump.
Iran International, a critical Persian-language outlet based in London, frequently reports on these tensions. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran over nuclear ambitions remains a significant geopolitical issue. The developments in this situation continue to unfold, with potential implications for both regions.
