US Claims Killing of Iranian Official in Trump Plot, Doubts Emerge

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed an Iranian official linked to a Trump assassination plot was killed, stating "Trump got the last laugh."
• The official is believed to be Rahman Makdam (or Moghddam), head of intelligence for IRGC's special operations, targeted in an airstrike.
• US officials privately admit uncertainty about Makdam's death and whether his role in the plot was exaggerated.
• Intelligence suggests another IRGC figure, still alive, leads the external operations unit responsible for overseas assassinations, including the alleged Trump plot.
• A Pakistani national, Asif Merchant, was convicted in July 2024 for a separate murder-for-hire scheme targeting Trump, reinforcing Iran's retaliation efforts.