Alleged Iran-Linked Militant Pleads Not Guilty in New York Terror Case

Washington-An Iraqi man accused by U.S. authorities of helping plan attacks for the Iran-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah pleaded not guilty in a New York federal court on Monday and declared, “I am not a criminal,” during a brief courtroom outburst.

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi faces eight charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata’ib Hezbollah, which Washington designates as a terrorist organization.

Speaking through an interpreter, Al-Saadi told the court, “I am not guilty and we are in a war situation,” while also referencing children allegedly killed in a strike in Iran earlier this year.

U.S. prosecutors allege Al-Saadi helped plan around 18 attacks targeting American interests in Europe and was involved in plotting attacks in the United States, including against a synagogue in New York.

Al-Saadi was taken into U.S. custody in Türkiye last month. The case comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Iran-backed groups across the Middle East and beyond.