October 11, 2011
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that it had foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir, in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., United States | U.S. Department of Justice
On October 11, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it had successfully thwarted a plot orchestrated by elements within the Iranian government to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir. This revelation marked a significant moment in international relations, particularly in the context of U.S.-Iran and Iran-Saudi Arabia relations.
The plot was uncovered as part of a broader investigation by U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The investigation revealed that the assassination attempt was part of a larger conspiracy involving members of the Iranian Quds Force, a special unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responsible for extraterritorial operations.
Conspirators: The plot involved Manssor Arbabsiar, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Iranian origin, and Gholam Shakuri, an alleged member of the Quds Force. Arbabsiar was arrested in September 2011, while Shakuri remained at large.
Plan: The conspirators intended to hire members of a Mexican drug cartel to carry out the assassination in Washington, D.C. The plan included the use of explosives to kill Ambassador al-Jubeir at a restaurant he frequented.
Unwitting Informant: The plot was foiled when Arbabsiar unknowingly approached a DEA informant posing as a member of the cartel. This informant alerted U.S. authorities, leading to the unraveling of the conspiracy.
Charges: Manssor Arbabsiar was charged with conspiracy to murder a foreign official, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and other related charges. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
International Reaction: The announcement of the plot heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with the U.S. government condemning the Iranian regime for its involvement. Saudi Arabia also expressed outrage, further straining its already tense relationship with Iran.
Sanctions and Diplomacy: In response to the plot, the U.S. imposed additional sanctions on Iran, targeting individuals and entities associated with the Quds Force. The incident underscored the volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the ongoing challenges in U.S.-Iran relations.
This event highlighted the complex web of international espionage and proxy conflicts in the Middle East. It underscored the lengths to which state actors might go to achieve their geopolitical objectives, even on foreign soil. The foiling of the plot also demonstrated the effectiveness of international law enforcement collaboration in countering transnational threats.
The incident remains a significant example of the intricate and often perilous dynamics that characterize relations between Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
Source: www.justice.gov