FBI seeks Iranian assassin targeting Trump officials
(Reuters)
FBI on the Trail of Iranian Assassin Targeting Trump Officials
Federal authorities are on a relentless search for an Iranian intelligence officer who is believed to be orchestrating a plot to assassinate several officials from the Trump administration as a retaliation for the killing of an Iranian military leader in 2020 by the Trump administration.
Majid Dastjani Farahani, suspected of working for Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, has been actively recruiting individuals in the United States for various operations, including the lethal targeting of current and former US government officials. The FBI announced this on Friday in a Most Wanted notice.
The FBI has identified at least three officials from the Trump era who are believed to be on the Iranian government’s hit list. This includes former national security adviser John Bolton, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, and former special envoy for Iran Brian Hook. All three have been provided with around-the-clock security. “I wish we were in a place where it was not necessary, but unfortunately, that is where we are,” said Hook last week regarding his police protection.
Iranian officials have stated that avenging the assassination of Qasem Soleimani is one of their top priorities. Senior members of the nation’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps asserted that the desire for revenge fueled Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. “The Al-Aqsa Storm [the October 7 invasion] was one of the retaliations of the Axis of Resistance against the Zionists for the martyrdom of Qasem Soleimani,” stated IRGC spokesman Ramezan Sharif in December.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, utilizing all available means, will relentlessly pursue justice for the perpetrators and all those involved in this government-sanctioned act of terror,” declared Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi during a September speech at the United Nations in New York. “The blood of the oppressed will not be forgotten.”
The Department of Justice charged an IRGC member in 2022 for plotting to assassinate Bolton, emphasizing that this was not the first time Iranian plots for revenge on US soil had been uncovered. In January, the United States and Britain imposed sanctions on 11 Iranians who allegedly attempted to assassinate political opponents outside Iran.
What implications does the targeted assassination plot have for US-Iran relations, and how might the Biden administration respond to this threat
Ary of state Mike Pompeo, and former CIA director Gina Haspel. The Iranian intelligence officer is allegedly targeting these individuals due to their roles in the Trump administration’s aggressive stance towards Iran and the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in January 2020.
According to the FBI, Farahani has been residing in Iran since 2011 and has been coordinating his activities remotely. He is known to communicate with his recruits through encrypted messaging apps, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to intercept and monitor his communications.
The Iranian intelligence officer’s recruitment efforts have raised concerns among US authorities, who fear that his network may extend beyond the three identified officials. It is alarming to think that there may be other individuals, possibly even within the current administration, who are at risk of being targeted by the Iranian government.
The FBI is urging anyone with information about Farahani’s whereabouts or his activities to come forward and assist in their investigations. They have also issued a warning to current and former government officials to remain vigilant and take necessary security measures to protect themselves and their families.
This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, which have persisted despite the change in leadership in both countries. The Trump administration’s tough stance on Iran, including the withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the reimposition of sanctions, has strained relations between the two nations and created a hostile environment.
The targeted assassination plot serves as a reminder of the potential threats faced by government officials and the need for robust security measures to ensure their safety. It also underscores the relevance of intelligence agencies in identifying and neutralizing threats posed by foreign adversaries.
The FBI’s pursuit of Farahani and its call for assistance from the public demonstrates the agency’s determination to protect US officials and hold those responsible for any threats or acts of violence accountable. It is crucial for international cooperation and intelligence sharing to support these efforts and prevent potential harm to individuals serving in government positions.
The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have significant implications for US-Iran relations and the overall security landscape. It will be interesting to see how the Biden administration responds to this threat and whether it will pursue diplomatic channels or take more aggressive actions to address Iran’s alleged involvement in the assassination plot.
Regardless of the approach taken, the safety of government officials and the protection of national security must remain paramount. This is a critical moment for the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to showcase their capabilities and ensure that justice is served.
As the manhunt for Farahani continues, the world watches with bated breath to see if the FBI can successfully apprehend him and disrupt any potential harm to US officials. The outcome of this high-stakes operation will undoubtedly shape the future of US-Iran relations and serve as a testament to the resilience and effectiveness of American law enforcement agencies.
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