Who is Farhad Shakeri? Mastermind of Iran’s Plot to Kill Donald Trump

Who is Farhad Shakeri? Mastermind of Iran’s Plot to Kill Donald Trump

Farhad Shakeri, a 51-year-old Afghan national, has been named as the central figure in an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently revealed the details, which expose a terrifying murder-for-hire scheme run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in retaliation for the 2020 murder of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

This plot underscores the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran and highlights the audacious lengths state-sponsored actors are willing to go to settle political scores.

Iran’s Plot to Kill Donald Trump

Background of Farhad Shakeri

Farhad Shakeri has a complex history that weaves through multiple countries and criminal activities. He arrived in the United States at a young age, although details about his early life remain unclear. In 1994, he was convicted of unspecified charges and incarcerated in various state prisons, including the Woodbourne Correctional Facility. During his time behind bars, Shakeri forged connections with individuals who would later play roles in the assassination plot.

Following his release, Shakeri was deported from the U.S. in 2008, and his parole monitoring officially ended in 2015. Despite this, his criminal activities persisted. In 2019, he was arrested in Sri Lanka for his involvement in the trafficking of 92 kilograms of heroin, suggesting ties to international narcotics networks.

The DOJ has identified Shakeri as an Iranian government asset who is currently residing in Tehran and actively working with the IRGC on covert operations against American and Israeli interests.

The Assassination Plot

The plot to kill Donald Trump is believed to be part of Iran's promise to avenge General Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020. According to newly released court documents, Iranian officials contacted Shakeri in September 2023, instructing him to focus on surveilling and ultimately assassinating Trump. Shakeri was reportedly involved in recorded conversations with law enforcement and disclosed key details about the plan.

Initially, the IRGC tasked Shakeri with other assassination missions targeting U.S. and Israeli citizens. However, on October 7, the IRGC shifted its focus exclusively to Trump. They gave Shakeri a strict deadline of seven days to formulate an assassination plan. If he failed, the IRGC intended to postpone the operation until after the U.S. presidential election, anticipating Trump’s potential defeat.

Shakeri, who remains at large in Iran, is believed to be coordinating these activities from Tehran. His connections, cultivated during his time in U.S. prisons and through his broader network, have made him a pivotal player in the plot.

Recent DOJ Announcement

On Friday, the DOJ announced federal charges against Shakeri and two other individuals implicated in the Iranian plot. Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, both U.S. citizens, were arrested in New York and accused of assisting the Iranian regime by surveilling a separate U.S. citizen of Iranian origin. Both men appeared in court on Thursday and are currently being detained pending trial.

The revelation of this newly uncovered plot highlights yet another alleged attempt by the Iranian regime to target Trump. The DOJ emphasized the international dimensions of this conspiracy and its implications for U.S. national security.

Legal Implications and Current Status

Farhad Shakeri has been charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit murder, acting as an agent of a foreign government, and supporting terrorism. However, his current location in Tehran complicates efforts to bring him to justice. The U.S. government has reiterated its commitment to holding Shakeri and others involved accountable, stating that threats against American leaders will not go unanswered.

Meanwhile, Rivera and Loadholt face separate charges for their role in assisting Iranian operatives. Their arrests underscore the IRGC’s efforts to recruit and exploit individuals within the U.S. for its covert operations.

Broader Implications

This assassination plot shines a spotlight on the broader strategies employed by the IRGC, which has long used proxy actors and international networks to carry out its objectives. The incident further strains U.S.-Iran relations, already fraught due to sanctions, nuclear negotiations, and regional tensions. It also raises concerns about the ability of foreign adversaries to recruit operatives within U.S. borders.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks posed by state-sponsored terrorism and the need for robust international cooperation to address such threats.

Conclusion

Farhad Shakeri’s involvement in the alleged plot to assassinate Donald Trump illustrates the lengths to which Iran’s IRGC is willing to go to seek vengeance for Soleimani’s death. Shakeri’s criminal history, international connections, and allegiance to the Iranian regime make him a dangerous figure in the world of espionage and covert operations.

As the DOJ continues its investigation and legal proceedings unfold, the world watches closely. The case not only underscores the persistent threats faced by political figures but also highlights the importance of vigilance and strong national security measures in the face of state-sponsored plots. The question remains: how will this incident reshape U.S.-Iran relations and the global fight against terrorism?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Farhad Shakeri?

Farhad Shakeri is a 51-year-old Afghan national believed to be the mastermind behind an Iranian plot to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump. He has a history of criminal activities, including narcotics trafficking and alleged involvement in state-sponsored terrorism as an operative for Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Shakeri currently resides in Tehran and remains at large.

2. What was the purpose of the assassination plot?

The assassination plot was allegedly planned as retaliation for the U.S. drone strike in 2020 that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, a key figure in the IRGC. Iran vowed to avenge his death, and targeting Donald Trump was seen as part of fulfilling that promise.

3. What charges have been filed against Farhad Shakeri?

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Shakeri with conspiracy to commit murder, acting as an agent of a foreign government, and supporting terrorism. These charges stem from his role in planning the assassination plot and his connections to the IRGC.

4. Who else has been implicated in the plot?

Two U.S. citizens, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, were arrested in New York and charged with assisting the Iranian regime. They are accused of surveilling a separate U.S. citizen of Iranian origin. Both are currently in custody pending trial.

5. Is Farhad Shakeri in custody?

No, Farhad Shakeri remains at large and is believed to be residing in Tehran, Iran. The U.S. government continues to pursue efforts to bring him to justice.

6. How did the U.S. uncover the assassination plot?

The plot was uncovered through intelligence operations, including recorded conversations between Shakeri and law enforcement. These recordings revealed critical details about the assassination plan and the involvement of the IRGC.

7. What role does Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) play in this case?

The IRGC is alleged to have orchestrated the assassination plot, directing Shakeri to prioritize Trump as a target. The IRGC has a history of engaging in covert operations targeting U.S. and Israeli individuals and entities.

8. How does this case affect U.S.-Iran relations?

The revelation of this plot has further strained U.S.-Iran relations, which were already tense due to sanctions, nuclear negotiations, and regional conflicts. It underscores the ongoing hostilities between the two nations and raises concerns about Iran’s use of proxies to carry out political violence.

9. What measures are being taken to prevent similar plots in the future?

The U.S. government continues to strengthen its intelligence capabilities and law enforcement cooperation to prevent foreign-sponsored threats against American leaders and citizens. Enhanced counterterrorism measures and international partnerships are also key components of the strategy.

10. What happens next in the legal process?

The DOJ is pursuing charges against the individuals involved in the plot. For Shakeri, efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend him. Meanwhile, Rivera and Loadholt will face trial in the U.S., where they will be prosecuted for their roles in assisting the IRGC.

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