The US State Department has categorically denied holding any discussions with Pakistan regarding the indictment of Pakistani national Asif Merchant, who is accused of involvement in an Iranian plot to assassinate US politicians and government officials. This clarification comes amidst growing tensions between the US and Iran, with the latter seeking retaliation for the killing of its top commander, Qassem Soleimani, in 2020.
Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani national, was charged with murder for hire in federal court in New York and is currently detained. According to the criminal complaint, Merchant sought to recruit individuals in the US to carry out the plot, which targeted former president Donald Trump and other current and former US government officials.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller denied any discussions with Pakistani authorities regarding Merchant’s indictment, stating, “I don’t have any discussions to speak to today, but we have been clear that the United States will continue to do what is necessary to protect its people, including foreign officials, from threats emanating from Iran.”
The US Attorney General, Merrick Garland, has emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to countering Iran’s brazen efforts to retaliate against American public officials. The alleged plot is believed to have been orchestrated by Iranian officials, with Merchant playing a key role in recruiting individuals to carry out the attacks.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing threat of Iranian-sponsored terrorism and the need for increased cooperation between nations to combat this menace. However, the US State Department’s denial of discussions with Pakistan suggests that the matter is being handled solely through legal channels, with no diplomatic engagement with Islamabad.
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