Netanyahu Accuses Iran of Two Assassination Attempts on Trump
In a striking revelation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Iran attempted on two occasions to assassinate former US President Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. Labeling Trump as "enemy number one" in Tehran, Netanyahu described how Iran allegedly employed proxies and covert agents to execute these plots.
Details Behind the Alleged Assassination Attempts
According to Netanyahu, the first attempt occurred at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet narrowly missed Trump’s ear. The alleged shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was immediately neutralized by the Secret Service. The second episode involved an armed individual named Ryan Routh, who was apprehended at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach before any shots were fired. Although no official US intelligence confirmation has emerged, these close calls intensified concerns about Iran’s intentions.
US Justice Department Unveils Iranian Operative’s Plot
In a related development, federal prosecutors, in late 2024, charged Farhad Shakeri, an operative tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Shakeri stands accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Trump, employing US-based intermediaries for surveillance and potential assassination. These indictments represent the most tangible proof to date linking Tehran to active efforts against Trump and other dissidents.
Additional Foiled Plot with Pakistani Connection
Earlier in July 2024, US authorities disrupted another suspected conspiracy when Pakistani national Asif Merchant allegedly sought to recruit an undercover operative to attack Trump. Though this plan was not fully developed, it was interpreted as retaliation for the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, a pivotal event that continues to fuel Tehran’s vendetta.
The Long Shadow of Soleimani’s Death
Since Soleimani’s death near Baghdad Airport in January 2020, Iran has methodically pursued retribution. Trump, being the president who authorized the strike, has been a particular focus for assassination plots devised by the IRGC. Besides Trump, several of his former officials have also been targeted, underscoring Tehran’s relentless strategy of calculated retaliation.
Assessing the Claims Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
- Netanyahu’s disclosures: Politically charged but partially substantiated.
- Shakeri’s indictment: Legally documented evidence linking Iran to assassination planning.
- Merchant’s plot: Less concrete but consistent with Iranian retaliation motives.
- Soleimani’s aftermath: The overarching context driving Iran’s sustained hostility.
These revelations surface amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iranian interests in the region, painting Iran as not only a nuclear threat but also a sponsor of international assassination attempts.
Conclusion: A Rare Target in the Middle East’s Shadowy Wars
Assassination plots are unfortunately common in the Middle East’s contentious landscape, but targeting a US president is exceptionally rare and significant. Whether Netanyahu’s claims gain full corroboration or remain contested, the enduring reality is that Tehran harbors deep-seated grudges, and Trump remains a symbolic figure at the center of these unresolved tensions.
