Iran is seeking revenge against United States leaders, particularly President Donald Trump, for the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani according to U.S. officials. Two European individuals, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, were convicted in a plot to assassinate Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad on behalf of the Iranian government in exchange for $500,000. Alinejad, a vocal critic of the Iranian government, has been targeted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) due to her human rights advocacy work. The assassins were affiliated with the Bazghandi Network, a crime organization named after an IRGC general, who received orders from high-ranking IRGC officials to carry out the murder.
The plot was foiled when law enforcement stopped one of the perpetrators, Khalid Mehdiyev, during a traffic stop, where they discovered weapons and cash. Alinejad testified that she had seen a suspicious individual near her home, corroborating the assassination attempt. The perpetrators could face life in prison for their involvement in the murder-for-hire scheme. This incident highlights Iran’s ongoing efforts to silence dissent, particularly targeting individuals who speak out against the regime. Donald Trump’s administration has imposed economic sanctions on Iran as part of a “maximum pressure” campaign, with Trump attempting to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iranian leaders. Alinejad has called for action to prevent future attacks on journalists and individuals critical of authoritarian regimes.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
