Khaberni - Media sources revealed that a Pakistani accused of plotting to kill U.S. President Donald Trump told a jury yesterday (Wednesday) that he did not voluntarily cooperate with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in planning the conspiracy.
The U.S. Justice Department accused Asif Merchant of trying to recruit people in the United States to participate in a plan targeting Trump and other American politicians, as a revenge for Washington killing the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Qassem Soleimani.
The Revolutionary Guard plays a central role in Iran, thanks to a combination of military power, economic influence, and an intelligence network.
The New York Times quoted Merchant telling the court during his trial for terrorism and murder for hire, "I did not want to do this willingly," adding that he participated to protect his family in Tehran.
The prosecution rejected Merchant’s statement, attributing it to "no evidence of actual coercion or threat," according to a letter sent on Tuesday to the judge in the case dating back to 2024.
The trial began last week, days before Trump issued an order to strike Iran in cooperation with Israel, resulting in the death of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and several top officials in Tehran.
Iran denies the allegations related to targeting Trump and other American officials.
