A Pakistani national facing charges for an alleged plot to assassinate former US President Donald Trump has informed the jury that he did not voluntarily participate in the scheme orchestrated by Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The US Department of Justice has indicted Asif Merchant on charges including terrorism and murder-for-hire, alleging he sought to recruit individuals within the United States to target Trump and other American political figures. This alleged plot, according to prosecutors, was in retaliation for the US-sanctioned killing of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
The IRGC is known for its considerable influence in Iran, possessing a robust military, significant economic interests, and an extensive intelligence apparatus.
During his defence in court, Merchant contended that he acted under pressure and did not willingly engage in the plan. Reports indicate he stated his involvement was to ensure the safety of his family in Tehran, and he was quoted as telling the court, “I was not wanting to do this so willingly.”
Prosecutors have contested Merchant's assertion of coercion, maintaining that insufficient evidence supports a defence of duress. A letter submitted to the judge in 2024 by the prosecution argued that there was inadequate proof that Merchant was compelled to participate in the alleged conspiracy.
Merchant reportedly testified that he received no direct orders to assassinate a specific individual. However, he claimed his Iranian handler mentioned three names during discussions in Tehran: Trump, former President Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley, who is a former US ambassador and a Republican presidential candidate.
Representatives for Merchant have not yet responded to requests for comment, and the White House has also declined to comment on the matter.
The trial commenced last week, shortly after Trump authorized joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran that reportedly resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials.
Speaking to ABC News on Sunday, Trump referred to an alleged Iranian plot when discussing the operation, stating, “I got him before he got me.”
Tehran has consistently denied any involvement in targeting Trump or other US officials. The ongoing legal proceedings are taking place amidst heightened geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran.
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