Washington—Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Vice Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) today released the following statements after federal authorities detailed a foiled Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States:

Senator Feinstein said: “I was briefed last month by the FBI on the Iran operation made public today and I commend the Bureau for taking this threat seriously and pursuing it to a conclusion. The allegations that Iran’s IRGC Qods Force directed efforts to kill the Saudi ambassador on American soil is shocking and must be carefully examined for wider implications. The Senate Intelligence Committee this week will receive a full report; we must learn how high in the Iranian government this alleged conspiracy reaches.”

Senator Chambliss said: “I congratulate the excellent work of the FBI, DEA and other law enforcement and intelligence professionals who unraveled this plot before Americans or our allies were harmed. While I believe our justice system will deal appropriately with the defendant in custody, our government must also deal with the Iranian regime. In addition to allegedly sponsoring this plot, Iran has supported and provided weapons for attacks on our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. This has continued far too long with no repercussions. I urge the administration to hold the Iranian regime accountable in a direct and meaningful way.”

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