Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran, has been indicted on terrorism charges related to a plot to assassinate U.S. government officials, including former President Donald Trump. Initially arrested in July for murder-for-hire, the expanded indictment now includes allegations of attempting a terrorist act. Merchant reportedly traveled to the U.S. to recruit individuals for this plot and had detailed his plans, even sketching them out. His actions are believed to be in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Merchant's case has raised concerns about Iranian threats against American officials, prompting increased security measures. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to holding individuals accountable for such plots against national security.