Federal prosecutors have pulled back the curtain on Iran’s lethal campaign to eliminate dissidents abroad, charging Iranian general Ruhollah Bazghandi (right) in connection with a failed assassination attempt against New York-based journalist and activist Masih Alinejad.

According to prosecutors, six operatives conducted extensive surveillance of Alinejad beginning in July 2022 under direction from Bazghandi. Intercepted communications revealed their tracking efforts, with one stating, “I’m close to the place now, brother, I’m getting even closer,” and another responding, “OK, my brother dear, don’t let her out of your sight. Let’s not delay it, my brother dear.”

Bazghandi’splot was thwarted when authorities arrested one of the operatives lurking near Alinejad’s New York residence. He was found carrying an assault rifle with 66 rounds of ammunition, approximately $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask.

“Thanks to law enforcement, I am alive to witness the Islamic Republic’s humiliation,” Alinejad wrote on social media. “I am determined to echo the voices of millions of Iranians, especially women, who are facing the same killers within the country. It is a stark reminder of the brutal lengths to which the Islamic regime will go to silence dissidents, even those far beyond Iran’s borders.”

The FBI has since issued a wanted notice for Bazghandi on charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy.

“Today’s indictment exposes the full extent of Iran’s plot to silence an American journalist for criticizing the Iranian regime,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement on Tuesday. “The FBI’s investigation led to the disruption of this plot as one of the conspirators was allegedly on their way to murder the victim in New York. As these charges show, the FBI will work with our partners here and abroad to hold accountable those who target Americans.”