A disorganized businessman whose various ventures flopped, Arbabsiar was an unlikely candidate to partake in an international, diplomatically explosive assault. Because he lived in Corpus Christi, near the southern border, and had frequent business in Mexico, Arbabsiar thought he knew someone who would be perfect. Arbabsiar even agreed to travel to Mexico while the assassination took place to personally assure the would-be cartel member that he’d be paid. Prosecutors would later explain that the message was clear: Arbabsiar would travel to Mexico, and his hired gun would travel to Cafe Milano. ADAfter Arbabsiar was charged, U.S. Treasury officials designated Soleimani and other Iranian officials terrorists for their alleged role in the plot.

Source: Washington Post January 04, 2020 13:04 UTC