The US State Department is offering a $20 million reward for information leading to the arrest of a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot targeting former President Trump’s national security advisor, John Bolton. Shahram Poursafi, a uniformed member of the IRGC, is believed to be working on behalf of the IRGC-QF in the alleged assassination plot. Poursafi allegedly conspired with criminal elements in the US to murder Bolton in Washington, DC, between October 2021 and April 2022 in exchange for $300,000. The plot took place after Bolton served as Trump’s national security advisor between 2018 and 2019.
Poursafi is accused of providing material support and resources to facilitate the attempted killing of Bolton. He also allegedly had a second assassination job planned for the would-be assassin after Bolton was murdered. The potential assassin later became a confidential source for US investigators. The US Department of Justice unsealed a criminal complaint against Poursafi on Aug. 5, 2022. Additionally, the US Department of the Treasury designated Poursafi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on June 1, 2023, resulting in the blocking of his property and interests in the US.
If convicted, Poursafi faces over ten years in prison and a half-million-dollar fine. However, he remains at large abroad. The reward offer for information leading to his arrest comes after former President Trump was briefed about real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him. The incidents coincide with world leaders gathering for the U.N. General Assembly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran wants to play an effective and constructive role in world affairs. The assassination plot against Bolton and the threats against Trump point to escalating tensions between Iran and the US.
The US government’s actions against Poursafi and Iran reflect the seriousness of the allegations and the need to address threats to US officials and citizens. By offering a substantial reward for information leading to Poursafi’s arrest, the US State Department is demonstrating a commitment to pursuing justice and protecting national security interests. The designation of Poursafi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist further underscores the severity of the situation and the need for international cooperation to address state-sponsored terrorism.
The revelation of the murder-for-hire plot targeting Bolton raises concerns about the extent to which foreign entities may be working to undermine US national security interests. The alleged involvement of a member of the IRGC in the assassination plot highlights the continued threat posed by state-sponsored terrorism. The US government’s efforts to bring Poursafi to justice and prevent future attacks are critical in safeguarding the safety and security of US officials and citizens. The unfolding events underscore the complex and evolving nature of the threats faced by the US in the current global security landscape.
The convergence of the assassination plots against Bolton and Trump, as well as the broader context of international tensions, signals the need for vigilance and cooperation among global partners in addressing threats to stability and security. The US government’s response to the assassination plots underscores the importance of holding accountable those involved in criminal activities targeting US officials. By leveraging diplomatic, legal, and financial tools, the US is working to disrupt and deter acts of terrorism and violence that pose a threat to national security and international stability. The unfolding events highlight the ongoing challenges in confronting state-sponsored terrorism and the importance of international collaboration in addressing these threats effectively.
