Iran-backed plot targets US politicians after Soleimani"s death
- FBI documents reveal a plot by Iran-backed entities to target U.S. politicians for revenge against Soleimani's death.
- The investigation into an assassination attempt on Trump in July has raised suspicions of foreign involvement.
- Senator Grassley calls for increased transparency and focus from federal agencies on protecting American political leaders.
Iran-backed entities have been implicated in a plot to target American politicians, including Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley, as a form of retaliation for the death of Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani. This information emerged from newly revealed FBI documents, which highlight the ongoing threats against U.S. political figures. The investigation into an attempted assassination of Trump in July has raised concerns about potential foreign involvement, particularly from Iran. Senator Chuck Grassley has expressed alarm over the threats, emphasizing the need for federal agencies to enhance public trust and transparency regarding their protective measures. The FBI's investigation has also linked Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with Iranian connections, to the plot, leading to his charges for involvement in the scheme. The assassination attempt on Trump was carried out by Thomas Matthew Crooks, who shot at the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania. Although Crooks was killed by Trump's security detail, he managed to injure two others and kill one person. Some lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Waltz, suspect that Crooks may not have acted alone, suggesting a broader conspiracy. The FBI had previously issued a notice regarding an alleged Iranian spy, Majid Farahani, who was accused of plotting revenge killings after Soleimani's death. The heightened security measures around Trump prior to the rally indicate the seriousness of the threats, as Iran continues to seek retribution for the loss of Soleimani, a key figure in their military operations.