The U.S. Justice Department has announced charges against Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national residing in Iran, for allegedly plotting to assassinate Donald Trump at the behest of Iranian officials. Shakeri, who remains at large, was reportedly directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to focus on Trump, with a plan to be formulated within seven days. Two American citizens, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, were also charged for assisting in surveillance activities for the Iranian government. The plot is seen as part of Iran's retaliation for the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani.
The Biden administration has condemned Iran's seizure of an Israeli-linked cargo ship and its crew in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for their immediate release. The crew consists of nationals from various countries. President Biden is returning to the White House to consult with his national security team on the situation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rappelled onto the ship and seized it, prompting strong condemnation from the U.S. The UK is investigating the incident, and the U.S. is working with its partners to hold Iran accountable. This comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
Iranian paramilitary troops seized a Portuguese-flagged ship owned by an Israeli billionaire in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The ship, MSC Aries, was boarded by IRGC troops via helicopter, and its 25 crew members were taken into Iranian territorial waters. The seizure comes amid heightened threats of attack between the two nations, with the U.S. moving assets closer to Israel in preparation for a potential Iranian response. This incident reflects ongoing maritime tensions in the region, with Iran previously seizing ships and the Houthis conducting raids in the Red Sea.
Recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian officers in Syria have raised questions about Iran's response, with Tehran facing pressure to retaliate. The attacks have also shed light on Israel's actions and policies, exposing its alleged war crimes and revealing a lack of strategic planning. Meanwhile, Hamas's incitement against Jordan and its alignment with Iranian interests have raised concerns about its true intentions, while American officials anticipate Iran's response but expect it to refrain from targeting US forces.
