NEW YORK, — May 23, 2026 : U.S. authorities have charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national allegedly linked to Iran-backed militant networks, in connection with multiple terrorism-related offenses, including a reported assassination plot targeting Ivanka Trump and nearly 20 attacks or attempted attacks across North America and Europe.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Al-Saadi, described as a senior commander of Kata’ib Hezbollah and an operative allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was arrested in Turkey on May 15, 2026, while reportedly in transit to Russia. He was later extradited to the United States and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court, where he was ordered detained pending trial. He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Alleged Plot Targeting Ivanka Trump
According to intelligence sources cited by the New York Post, investigators discovered what authorities described as an alleged assassination plot targeting Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of President Donald Trump. Officials reportedly found detailed blueprints of Ivanka Trump’s residence on Indian Creek Island, Florida, allegedly in Al-Saadi’s possession.
Investigators believe the alleged plot was motivated by retaliation for the January 3, 2020, U.S. drone strike in Baghdad that killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, former leader of Kata’ib Hezbollah. Authorities allege Al-Saadi considered Soleimani a mentor and maintained close operational links with Iran-backed militant figures.
Former Iraqi deputy military attaché in Washington Entifadh Qanbar, cited in reporting on the case, stated that Al-Saadi allegedly expressed intent to target members of the Trump family following Soleimani’s death. Investigators also reportedly linked the suspect to online threats directed at Americans and the Trump family.
Authorities allege Al-Saadi posted warnings on social media suggesting that security protections would not prevent retaliation and shared images of weapons, including firearms equipped with silencers. Prosecutors also stated that he frequently praised Soleimani and promoted retaliatory attacks against American and Israeli interests online.
Broader Terrorism Allegations Across Europe and North America
Federal prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi coordinated and directed at least 18 terrorist attacks and attempted attacks between March and May 2026, targeting American, Israeli, and Jewish-linked institutions across Europe and North America.
According to court filings, incidents linked to the case include an explosive attack on the Bank of New York Mellon office in Amsterdam in March 2026, the stabbing of two Jewish men in London in April, and a shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto. Prosecutors also cited an arson attack on a synagogue in Skopje, North Macedonia, attempted attacks in Belgium, and incidents in Rotterdam, including an alleged arson attack on a religious institution.
In North America, prosecutors allege Al-Saadi directed attacks and plots targeting Jewish institutions in the United States and Canada. Authorities claim he supplied maps, photographs, and exact location details to an undercover operative in connection with plans to target a prominent synagogue in New York City, as well as institutions in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Alleged Network, Travel Cover, and IRGC Links
The Department of Justice alleges Al-Saadi maintained close operational connections with senior Iran-linked figures, including Soleimani and his successor Esmail Qaani. Investigators further allege he used a religious travel agency as operational cover while coordinating with militant networks and frequently traveled internationally using an Iraqi service passport, which prosecutors say enabled easier movement with reduced screening.
Authorities also allege that Al-Saadi posted photographs of himself at various European locations while maintaining communication channels connected to militant operations.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Federal prosecutors charged Al-Saadi with six terrorism-related offenses, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata’ib Hezbollah and the IRGC, providing material support for acts of terrorism, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, conspiracy to bomb a place of public use, and attempted destruction of property by fire or explosive.
Following his arrest and extradition, Al-Saadi was presented before Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court and ordered detained pending trial. No trial date has yet been announced.
In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest as a significant counterterrorism action involving an individual accused of directing international terrorist activity. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton stated that prosecutors allege Al-Saadi spent years advancing the objectives of Kata’ib Hezbollah and IRGC-linked networks through violent operations and intimidation targeting civilians and institutions.
Although the publicly available Justice Department complaint does not explicitly name Ivanka Trump, officials familiar with the matter said she and her family remain safe. The investigation remains ongoing with support from the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice, and interagency partners.
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