A Pakistani national accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting senior American political figures has told a U.S. court that he was coerced by Iran’s powerful military force to participate in the scheme.
Asif Raza Merchant, 47, is facing charges in the United States after prosecutors alleged he attempted to hire assassins to target prominent U.S. politicians, including Donald Trump. Merchant has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During testimony on Wednesday, Merchant claimed he had been pressured by members of Iran’s elite military organisation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), to help arrange the alleged operation.
According to reports from U.S. media outlets, Merchant told the court that his participation in the plot was motivated by fears for the safety of his family living in Tehran, Iran’s capital.
“My family was under threat, and I had to do this,” Merchant said through an Urdu interpreter, adding that he never intended the alleged plan to succeed.
Alleged Targets Included Senior U.S. Political Figures
Merchant testified that he had not been explicitly instructed to assassinate a specific individual. However, he told the court that an Iranian contact referenced several prominent U.S. leaders in conversations related to the plot, including Trump, former president Joe Biden and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
Prosecutors have previously argued that Merchant maintained “close ties to Iran” and described the alleged plot as consistent with tactics used by the Iranian government.
The IRGC has long been accused by Washington of attempting to target senior American officials following the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike.
Undercover Operation Led to Arrest
According to court filings, Merchant was arrested after attempting to hire individuals he believed were professional assassins. The supposed hitmen were actually undercover agents working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Merchant told the court that he began communicating with a member of the Revolutionary Guards around 2022. The individual allegedly asked whether he would be willing to undertake assignments for the Iranian government.
He later claimed he was instructed to help organise a broader operation that could include protests, financial transactions, document theft and possibly arranging a killing.
Merchant testified that he feared retaliation against his wife and adopted daughter living in Iran if he refused to cooperate.
Case Unfolds Amid Rising U.S.–Iran Tensions
The trial is taking place against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The ongoing conflict has further strained relations between Washington and Tehran.
Legal analysts say the case highlights ongoing concerns within U.S. intelligence agencies about alleged foreign-directed plots targeting American officials.
The court proceedings are expected to continue as prosecutors and defence lawyers present further evidence regarding the alleged conspiracy.
