The United States government has unveiled a significant reward program, offering up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of key figures within Iran’s military and intelligence leadership. This initiative notably includes the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s efforts to counter Tehran’s influence.
This reward targets ten prominent individuals closely linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful branch of Iran’s armed forces. The announcement reflects the growing intensity of US pressure on the Iranian regime, particularly following a surge in hostilities that began in late February. The move signals Washington’s determination to disrupt the command structure of Iran’s security apparatus, which it holds responsible for orchestrating destabilizing activities both regionally and globally.
It is important to understand the context behind this development. Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s long-standing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reportedly assumed leadership after his father was killed in coordinated US and Israeli strikes on February 28. While Mojtaba has issued an official statement confirming his position, he has largely remained out of public view amid speculation that he sustained injuries during the initial attacks. This transition marks a critical moment in Iran’s political landscape, as the younger Khamenei steps into a role fraught with internal and external challenges.
Despite claims from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that Iran’s top leadership is hiding underground, recent verified footage contradicts this narrative. It shows high-profile figures such as security chief Ali Larijani and President Masoud Pezeshkian participating in a public rally in Tehran, demonstrating a degree of resilience and defiance. Meanwhile, the US continues to seek detailed intelligence on Larijani, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, and several other influential officials within the Supreme Leader’s inner circle, underscoring the focus on dismantling Iran’s command network.
The US State Department has reiterated its position that these targeted individuals are responsible for directing IRGC units involved in planning, organizing, and executing acts of terrorism worldwide. The IRGC has long been designated by the US as a foreign terrorist organization, accused of plotting attacks against American citizens and senior officials, including former President Donald Trump. This designation forms the basis of Washington’s broader strategy to isolate and weaken Iran’s military capabilities.
On the other hand, Iranian authorities have condemned the US reward program as a politically motivated and unfounded attack. Tehran argues that such measures are part of a broader “maximum pressure” campaign designed to justify economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to safeguard the Shi’ite regime, the IRGC remains central to Iran’s national security and political power structure, making it a primary target for American intelligence and counterterrorism operations.
As tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, this $10 million bounty highlights the deepening conflict and the high stakes involved. The US move not only aims to gather actionable intelligence but also serves as a clear message of deterrence to Iran’s leadership. The evolving situation remains closely watched by international observers, given its potential implications for regional stability and global security.
