DOJ Charges Iranian-Iraqi Operative With Terrorism in Plot to Attack U.S. Synagogue, European Targets

In this Townhall article, Scott McClallen reports that the Justice Department has charged a dual Iranian-Iraqi national accused of serving as an operative for Iranian-backed terrorist organizations and helping direct plots against U.S., Israeli, Jewish, and European targets.

• Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, 32, was charged in an eight-count indictment tied to alleged terrorism activity on behalf of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
• Prosecutors say Al-Saadi has supported those groups since at least 2017 and worked with senior terrorist leaders connected to Iranian proxy networks.
• The indictment alleges he helped plan or direct roughly 18 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe through a supposed new group that authorities say was actually a front for Kata’ib Hizballah and related terrorist organizations.
• U.S. officials say Al-Saadi attempted to arrange attacks in the United States in March and April 2026, including a possible attack on a synagogue in New York City.
• According to court filings, Al-Saadi allegedly sought someone in the U.S. who could carry out an attack involving arson, killing, or other violence.
• The FBI detained Al-Saadi abroad, transferred him into U.S. custody, and brought him to the Southern District of New York for prosecution.
• Authorities say devices seized from him contained evidence of his relationships with IRGC, Kata’ib Hizballah, Hezbollah, and Houthi figures, as well as material tied to European attacks.
• Prosecutors allege he used propaganda and “psychological warfare” to spread fear, including through videos connected to attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets.
• The case highlights how Iranian-backed terror networks are not merely issuing threats from overseas but allegedly working to bring violence to American and Western targets directly.
• Al-Saadi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Read the full story: https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2026/05/28/doj-charges-iranian-iraqi-operative-with-terrorism-in-plot-to-attack-us-synagogue-european-targets-n2676860