The Pakistani businessman accused of plotting to kill Trump claims he was coerced by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to participate in the plan.

Asif Merchant, a Pakistani businessman, testified before a federal jury that he was coerced by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to participate in a plot to assassinate Donald Trump. Merchant, 47 years old, admitted that he agreed to cooperate out of fear for his family, threatened by Iranian officials. He detailed a complex plan that included organizing protests and recruiting criminals, mentioning that he did not receive a direct order to kill Trump, but that he was indicated as a potential target. Merchant was arrested in Texas while preparing to return to Pakistan after being recorded discussing the plot. Prosecutors challenged his defense, stating that there is no evidence to support actual coercion and that Merchant was aware he was working with a terrorist organization. The trial began amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, and recently, an American attack led to the death of an Iranian official involved in the plot. Iran has denied any involvement in the assassination plans.