The US State Department has uncovered an Iranian plot to assassinate former National Security Adviser John Bolton, the Washington Examiner reported on Tuesday.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
A Justice Department official told the paper that an investigation had uncovered indictable evidence against at least two Iranians, but the Biden administration refrained from publicly indicting the men for fear it could derail nuclear deal negotiations taking place in Vienna.
Similar threats from Iranians are also said to have been made and continue to be made against other former Trump administration officials who dealt with issues pertaining Iran, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The primary motive for the plots against the officials is believed to be rooted in Iran's quest to avenge the death of Quds Force's commander, Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone assassination in January 2020.
The Washington Examiner said numerous active and former government officials stated current Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani is believed to have been tasked by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with avenging Soleimani's death with the high-profile assassination of a US official.
A Department of Justice spokesman said, "As a matter of Department policy, we do not confirm or deny non-public law enforcement activity. In every case, the Department's decision whether to charge would be made based on the facts and law and in accordance with the principles of federal prosecution."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
