DOJ Charges Three in Alleged Iranian Plot to Kill Donald Trump

DOJ Charges Three in Alleged Iranian Plot to Kill Donald Trump
Above: Donald Trump waves to supporters at the conclusion of a campaign rally on Nov. 3, 2024 in Kinston, North Carolina. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • The US Department of Justice on Friday charged three individuals in an alleged Iranian murder-for-hire plot targeting both former Pres. Donald Trump and Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad.

  • Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset, was allegedly instructed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) on Oct. 7 to develop an assassination plan against Trump within seven days. Shakeri, an Afghan national, is still at large in Iran.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Iran poses a serious threat to American national security through brazen assassination attempts on US soil. These plots demonstrate Iran's ongoing vendetta against Trump for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani and its determination to silence critics abroad. The sophisticated nature of these operations shows the regime's commitment to eliminating perceived threats.

Establishment-critical narrative

This is a repulsive conspiracy orchestrated by anti-Iranian factions to further complicate matters between Washington and Tehran. Iran doesn't conduct secret surveillance on foreign lands; it uses all legitimate and legal means to defend the country's rights and dignity, both domestically and internationally.


Metaculus Prediction


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