Al-Saadi allegedly explored attacks against a synagogue in New York and, in April 2026, attempted to locate an individual inside the United States who could carry out violent acts on his behalf.
A dual Iranian-Iraqi national accused of working on behalf of some of the world's most notorious terrorist organizations has been indicted in the United States after federal authorities say he helped orchestrate a series of attacks across Europe and sought to facilitate violence on American soil.
The Department of Justice announced Thursday that Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, 32, faces multiple terrorism-related charges stemming from his alleged role as an operative for Kata'ib Hizballah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both designated foreign terrorist organizations by the United States.
According to prosecutors, Al-Saadi was deeply embedded within what he described as the Iranian-led "resistance" network, a coalition that allegedly includes the IRGC, Kata'ib Hizballah, Lebanese Hizballah, and the Iran-backed Houthis. Investigators say he participated in planning, directing, promoting, and coordinating attacks targeting Western and Israeli interests while advancing a campaign of intimidation and psychological warfare.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the indictment paints a picture of an individual allegedly involved in global terror operations and efforts to target Americans. "As alleged in this indictment, Al-Saadi has been directly involved in terrorist operations and military decisions to attack U.S. and Israeli interests across the world and conspired with others to plan deadly attacks on American soil," Blanche said.
Federal prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi played a role in approximately 18 attacks and attempted attacks throughout Europe. Authorities say those operations were carried out under the banner of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which investigators contend was not an independent organization but rather a front linked to Kata'ib Hizballah and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups. The indictment further alleges that Al-Saadi sought to expand those efforts into the United States.
According to court filings, Al-Saadi allegedly explored attacks against a synagogue in New York and, in April 2026, attempted to locate an individual inside the United States who could carry out violent acts on his behalf. Prosecutors say he discussed potential attacks involving arson and murder before being detained overseas.
US Attorney Jay Clayton warned that Iranian-backed terrorist groups continue to pursue long-standing objectives against the United States. "Al-Saadi claims to be part of the ‘resistance,’ a group that includes the IRGC, an Iran-based designated foreign terrorist organization," Clayton said. "These organizations have a stated goal of destroying our society and our collective commitment to freedom, security, and a better world for our children."
He added: "For over 40 years, Iranian-backed groups, including the IRGC, have been committed to bringing terror to our shores."
One of the most significant allegations in the case involves Al-Saadi's purported connections to senior figures within Iran's terrorist infrastructure. Authorities say Al-Saadi admitted to investigators that he maintained close ties with Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, who was killed in a US airstrike in 2020. According to prosecutors, Al-Saadi claimed he traveled frequently with Soleimani and was expected to accompany him shortly before the strike that killed both Soleimani and Kata'ib Hizballah leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Investigators also allege that Al-Saadi maintained relationships with other senior Iranian and proxy leaders and described himself as a key figure in media operations, military intelligence, and psychological warfare activities conducted by the broader "resistance" movement.
Federal authorities say evidence recovered from Al-Saadi's electronic devices includes communications with terrorist operatives, propaganda material, imagery celebrating IRGC and Hizballah leaders, and media documenting attacks across Europe.
Among the allegations outlined by prosecutors are claims that Al-Saadi participated in real-time video communications with individuals carrying out attacks, helped produce propaganda footage, coordinated messaging efforts, and promoted violent incidents intended to generate fear among civilian populations.
The FBI says the case represents another major counterterrorism operation targeting foreign-backed extremist threats. "The FBI’s successful FTOC of Mohammad Al-Saadi, another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism, is just the latest success in this administration’s historic work to bring terrorists to justice," FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Court documents further allege that Al-Saadi viewed propaganda and media dissemination as critical components of terrorist operations, describing attacks and accompanying videos as part of a broader effort to influence public perception and intimidate opponents.
The indictment charges Al-Saadi with conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations, providing material support for terrorism, attempted acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to bomb a place of public use, attempted destruction of property by fire or explosives, and financing terrorism, among other offenses. If convicted on the most serious counts, he could face life in prison.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
