The United States State Department has announced a reward of up to 10 million dollars for information that could help locate or identify Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly installed Supreme Leader of Iran, along with nine other senior figures linked to the country’s powerful military establishment.
The announcement was made under the Rewards for Justice Program, a long-standing U.S. initiative designed to gather intelligence on individuals suspected of directing or supporting international terrorism.
According to the State Department, the reward targets ten key figures associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a military force that Washington has designated as a terrorist organisation. Officials say these individuals are believed to command or direct activities linked to the group’s global operations.
The offer goes beyond financial incentive. Officials have also suggested that those who offer reliable information could be considered for permanent resettlement in the United States. This measure aims to safeguard sources who might be in grave danger due to their cooperation.
The news arrives amidst escalating friction between Washington and Tehran. Sources suggest Mojtaba Khamenei took the reins following the passing of his father, Ali Khamenei, during recent military actions linked to the continuing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Since taking over the position, Mojtaba has remained largely out of public view, issuing only limited statements while questions continue to swirl around the stability of Iran’s leadership structure.
The Rewards for Justice program has operated since 1984 and has been used by the United States to gather intelligence on high-profile security threats. Over the years it has offered large financial incentives for information leading to the arrest or disruption of individuals linked to terrorist organisations and international crime networks.
The programme typically accepts tips through secure digital channels, including encrypted communication platforms, in order to protect informants and encourage cooperation from people who may otherwise be unwilling to come forward.
Analysts say the latest move signals a further escalation in the already strained relationship between the United States and Iran. By placing such a substantial reward on the country’s top leadership circle, Washington is attempting to increase pressure on Tehran while expanding its intelligence network.
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Iranian officials have often rejected similar accusations in the past, describing them as politically motivated attempts to undermine the country’s government.
The announcement, without a doubt, intensifies the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the two countries. This rivalry, in turn, continues to influence security conversations throughout the Middle East and further afield.
