DOJ report accuses Iran of plotting to assassinate Trump: 'Malicious conspiracy'

Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, rejected the accusations that Iran was involved in the assassination plot.

DOJ report accuses Iran of plotting to assassinate Trump: 'Malicious conspiracy'
DOJ report accuses Iran of plotting to assassinate Trump: 'Malicious conspiracy'

The Foreign Ministry of Iran rejected a report from the Department of Justice that it had foiled an assassination attempt against President-elect Trump by Iranians on Friday.

An official from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps instructed Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran, to target former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, through surveillance and assassination, according to a criminal complaint filed in a New York City federal court.

On Oct. 7, 2024, Shakeri informed law enforcement that he was assigned to devise a plan to assassinate President-elect Donald J. Trump.

According to the foreign ministry, spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei categorically dismissed allegations that Iran was involved in attempts to assassinate former and current US officials on Saturday.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman of Iran's Foreign Ministry, described a report from the DOJ stating that it thwarted an Iranian plot to kill President-elect Donald Trump as "completely baseless and rejected." (ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran has been accused of similar scenarios in the past that have been "firmly denied and proven false," according to Baghaei, who described the report as "completely baseless and rejected."

He stated that repeating such claims is a harmful conspiracy orchestrated by Zionist and anti-Iranian groups, intended to make the issues between the US and Iran more complex.

Iran is fully committed to utilizing all legal means to restore the rights of its citizens both domestically and internationally, as Baghaei concluded.

Protester against the IRGC
An official in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) is accused of tasking an Iranian man with assassinating President-elect Donald Trump. Protesters across the world have previously asked that the IRGC be placed on the EU's terrorist list after blaming the group for repression within Iran, and terrorism and warmongering abroad. (Siavosh Hosseini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

According to the DOJ, Shakeri, who is still at large and believed to be residing in Iran, immigrated to the United States as a child and was deported in or around 2008 after serving 14 years in prison for a robbery conviction.

Shakeri is accused of assigning two New York men, 49-year-old Carlisle Rivera and 36-year-old Jonathon Loadholt, to surveil and murder an American of Iranian origin who is a vocal critic of the Iranian regime for a reward of $100,000.

Masih Alinejad, who identified herself as a journalist, resides in America and has also been targeted by the Iranian government, according to the DOJ report.

WATCH: MASIH ALINEJAD: I DON'T DESERVE TO BE FOLLOWED BY KILLERS

Masih Alinejad: I don't deserve to be followed by killers

The Iranian regime's efforts to jeopardize the safety of Americans and undermine U.S. security will not be tolerated, as stated by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Three individuals, including Shakeri, Rivera, and Loadholt, are facing charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and money laundering conspiracy, which carry maximum penalties of 10 to 20 years in prison.

Shakeri has been charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and sanctions against the Government of Iran, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Planet Chronicle' Greg Norman and David Spunt contributed to this report.

by Elizabeth Pritchett

world

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

world
Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

world
Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

world
Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

world
Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

world
Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

world
A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

world
What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

world
A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

world
On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

world
As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

world
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

world
Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

world
A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

world
The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

world
In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

world
Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

world