U.S. Charges Three Iran-Backed Operatives Over Terror Plots Targeting Jewish Communities and U.S. Troops

Federal prosecutors unsealed an eight-count superseding indictment Tuesday charging three alleged Iran-backed operatives over nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks in Europe and the United States, including plots targeting Jewish communities and American troops.

The Justice Department identified the defendants as Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, Mohsen Mohajeri and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani. Prosecutors allege they acted in support of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Kata'ib Hizballah, both designated foreign terrorist organizations by the United States.

The allegations include attacks on Jewish communities in Europe, an attempted attack on a Manhattan synagogue and a September 2026 plot against RAF Fairford in Britain, where U.S. military personnel and aircraft were stationed.

According to prosecutors, al-Hassani directed associates in Britain to prepare for the Fairford plot, including obtaining vans and fuel. British authorities recovered three vans and arrested their occupants in late September after at least two vans were stopped near the base.

Al-Saadi, who has been in U.S. federal custody since May, allegedly tried to coordinate with the other defendants from jail by passing coded messages through third parties. The indictment alleges the network operated under the name Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, or HAYI, which prosecutors describe as a front for Iran-aligned terrorist organizations.

The charges are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.