A Pakistani man, identified as Merchant, was arrested just before leaving the United States, suspected of planning the assassination of U.S. government officials.

Merchant allegedly has ties to Iran and traveled to New York in April to hire hitmen, paying a $5,000 advance to undercover law enforcement officers posing as assassins.

He communicated his intentions to a confidential informant, who reported his plans to authorities, leading to the investigation.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to countering foreign plots against American officials, particularly those linked to Iran.

FBI Director Christopher Wray described the assassination scheme as a 'dangerous murder-for-hire plot,' highlighting its serious threat to national security.

The plot was reportedly in retaliation for the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, with U.S. officials previously warning of Iran's intentions to retaliate.

The details of Merchant's case were made public on August 6, 2024, as the investigation continues.

While specific targets were not disclosed in the complaint, sources indicated that former President Donald Trump was among those considered.

The FBI's undercover operation successfully thwarted the planned attacks, demonstrating their commitment to national safety.

Merchant's methods are considered typical of Iranian operations, as he expressed ideological motives for targeting individuals he believed were harming Pakistan and the Muslim world.

Merchant was arrested on July 12, just before a campaign event where Trump was injured in a separate shooting, although investigators found no link between the two incidents.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations has denied any connection to Merchant's alleged activities, asserting that they contradict their policy regarding Soleimani's murder.