Iran’s military has announced a $30,000 reward for anyone who kills or captures and hands over a United States military personnel, escalating 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 provide financial support for the country’s military efforts.
According to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, Hatami said anyone who kills or captures and hands over an American military personnel would receive $30,000, equivalent to five billion Iranian tomans, from the Iranian Army.
He added that Iranian women who carry out such an act would receive twice the amount.
“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.
“Courageous Iranian women who carry out such an action will receive double the reward,” he added.
Hatami did not, however, provide details on where or when Iranian forces or civilians were expected to capture American military personnel.
The announcement comes amid heightened hostility between Tehran and Washington following months of military confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The conflict reportedly began after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, followed by an April ceasefire after nearly 40 days of fighting and a June framework for peace talks.
However, the diplomatic process later collapsed, with the two sides continuing to exchange fire intermittently, particularly around southern Iran and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The latest development also comes amid repeated allegations that Iran has considered retaliatory action against US President Donald Trump.
During a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, in July, reports indicated that US security officials used a deception operation to move Trump away from his publicly expected aircraft amid concerns over a possible Iranian attack.
Trump was reportedly transferred secretly to another aircraft while a decoy departure was maintained to conceal his movements.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint in the confrontation, given its importance to global oil shipments. Continued military threats or disruptions around the waterway could have wider implications for global energy supplies and the economy.
The latest reward announcement further underscores the deepening tensions between Iran and the United States as both sides remain divided over military operations, the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of renewed diplomatic negotiations.
