Dutch: Iran Should Be Held Accountable for Alleged Assassination Plot

A heightened terrorism alert was issued yesterday in the wake of an alleged plot by Iranian militants to assassinate Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, according to The Huffington Post.

Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement last night stating that the Iranian government cannot be trusted. 

The goes as far as to say that Iran "crosses a line" in its "state sponsorship of terrorism."

You can read the full statement below: 

“I believe the alleged Iranian plot to hire members of the Mexican drug cartel to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. on American soil crosses the line in Iran’s state sponsorship of terrorism.  This was a well-financed, well-organized, sophisticated plot that reached to the senior levels of the Qods Force–the arm of the Iranian military responsible for terrorist attacks, assassinations and kidnappings.  This situation shows that all nations that respect international law must come together to hold Iran accountable for this most basic violation. 

"This is another example of the long history of why the Iranian government can’t be trusted and definitely should not have access to nuclear weapons. The brazen plot shows the Iranian government has absolutely no regard for human life.  It was a multi-stage operation where it went to great lengths to conceal the identity of the Qods Force. 

"Detecting and preventing this plot shows tremendous teamwork across domestic and international intelligence and law enforcement communities.  The Mexican government was a great partner in preventing this attack and helping bring the plotters to justice. Together, we were able to connect the dots and save lives.”

-- Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger 

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