The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Trump's defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target U.S. government officials, including Trump, on U.S. soil.

The Justice Department charged a man on Friday who was tasked with planning an Iranian plot to murder President-elect Trump ahead of the election. The big picture: U.S. officials have long warned about Iran targeting American leaders.

"The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran’s assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a news release.