Iran Announces $30,000 Reward for Killing or Capturing US Soldiers
Iran’s military has announced a $30,000 reward for anyone who kills or captures and hands over a United States soldier, in a move likely to further escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian Army Commander-in-Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, announced the reward on Sunday, saying it followed what he described as a large number of requests from people seeking to contribute financially to Iran’s military efforts, according to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA.
“Anyone who kills or captures and hands over an invading American military personnel will receive a reward equivalent to $30,000 or 5 billion tomans from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army,” Hatami said.
He added that Iranian women who carry out such an act would receive double the reward.
“Courageous Iranian women who carry out such an action will receive double the reward,” he said.
Hatami did not specify where or when Iranian forces or civilians would be expected to capture or kill American military personnel.
The announcement comes amid heightened hostility between Tehran and Washington following months of military confrontation that began after the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28.
The conflict was followed by an April ceasefire after nearly 40 days of fighting and a June framework for peace talks. However, the diplomatic process later collapsed, while tensions and intermittent exchanges of fire continued, particularly around southern Iran and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s latest announcement also comes amid repeated allegations that Tehran has considered retaliatory action against US President Donald Trump.
During a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, in July, US security officials reportedly employed a deception operation to move Trump away from his publicly expected aircraft amid concerns over a possible Iranian attack. Reports indicated that Trump was secretly transferred to another aircraft while a decoy departure was maintained to conceal his movements.
The latest development further highlights the unresolved tensions between Washington and Tehran over military operations, the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of renewed diplomatic negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly important to the confrontation because it is a major route for global oil shipments. Any prolonged conflict or disruption around the waterway could raise concerns over energy supplies and trigger wider economic consequences.
