A man accused of plotting an Iran-backed assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump told FBI agents he believed Iran was responsible for the July shooting at Trump's Butler, Pennsylvania rally, according to federal investigators.

Asif Merchant made the comparison during questioning by FBI agents, describing his alleged plot in relation to the Butler incident. However, the FBI has found no evidence supporting any Iranian involvement in the Pennsylvania assassination attempt.

Merchant faces federal charges related to what prosecutors describe as an Iran-backed conspiracy to target Trump and other officials. The case represents one of several ongoing investigations into threats against political figures.

The Butler, Pennsylvania shooting occurred during a Trump campaign rally in July, when a gunman opened fire, wounding the former president and killing one attendee. That incident has been the subject of separate federal and congressional investigations.

FBI officials have not disclosed additional details about Merchant's alleged plot or the specific nature of his comments comparing the two incidents. The investigation into potential foreign-backed assassination attempts against U.S. political figures remains ongoing.