Financial Jihad: Iran to offer $30,000 bounty for killing, capturing US soldiers

The Iranian Army chief also claimed that the conflict has shattered Washington's military dominance and prompted countries to explore other ways of ensuring their security.

In Short

• Amir Hatami says proposal followed public requests to support Iran's campaign
• Women carrying out such acts will get double the reward, says Iranian military
• Weapons used in attacks will be bought and preserved in museum

Iran’s military has announced a $30,000 bounty for anyone who kills or captures a US soldier, with the reward doubled if the act is carried out by a woman, Iranian state media reported on Sunday.

Iranian Army Commander-in-Chief Amir Hatami said the plan was drawn up after numerous requests from people seeking to support the country via “financial jihad”.

“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 Army,” Hatami said during a speech in Tehran.

He added that “courageous Iranian women” who carried out such an act would receive twice the amount.

Hatami also said the weapon used by anyone who killed a US soldier would be purchased for twice its value and replaced with a new one. The original weapon would be preserved in a proposed museum, he added.

Hatami, however, did not clarify where or when Iranian fighters were expected to encounter US personnel.

There has been no known deployment of American ground forces in Iran during the conflict, apart from an April mission to rescue a downed US pilot.

HATAMI TARGETS US, PRESIDENT TRUMP

The Iranian Army chief also claimed that the conflict has shattered Washington’s military dominance and prompted countries to explore other ways of ensuring their security.

“America no longer has the authority it once had,” The Jerusalem Post quoted Hatami as saying.

Hatami also criticised US President Donald Trump’s statement that the Strait of Hormuz would be declared a “territory of the United States” after Iran’s defeat.

He accused Trump of trying to project victory despite what he described as America’s weakened global standing.

The Iranian Commander-in-Chief also threatened US bases in West Asia, saying Tehran would not permit facilities that posed a threat to Iran to resume operations in neighbouring countries.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Hatami claimed that American forces had effectively been driven out and were no longer permitted to enter the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman or the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement comes as efforts to begin peace talks remain stalled and oil tanker traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz continues to face disruption.

Hatami’s remarks offered no indication that the warring sides were moving towards ending the conflict launched by the US and Israel on February 28.

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