Iran Announces Reward for Capturing or Killing US Soldier
TEHRAN: Iran’s Army Commander-in-Chief Major General Amir Hatami has announced a financial reward for anyone who captures or kills an alleged US soldier and hands them over to Iranian authorities, amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Speaking at a ceremony marking National Journalists’ Day, Hatami said Iranian citizens were also supporting the armed forces through public fundraising campaigns aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
Under the announced initiative, anyone who captures or kills a US soldier and hands them over to the authorities would receive 5 billion Iranian tomans, reportedly equivalent to around $30,000.
Hatami said Iranian women who accomplish the same feat would be eligible for double the reward.
He further announced that the weapon used in such an operation would be purchased by the Iranian Army at twice its market value and placed on permanent display in a dedicated military museum.
The Iranian army chief claimed that the country was rapidly rebuilding and expanding its defensive and offensive military capabilities. He said Iran had already demonstrated some of its newly developed capabilities during recent clashes involving US forces in the Strait of Hormuz.
Hatami warned that Iran’s adversaries had seriously miscalculated the country’s military strength and should not repeat what he described as grave mistakes of the past.
He also stressed that Iran faced no restrictions in defending its sovereignty and national interests.
The army chief also referred to a new military and security reorganization ordered by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, saying that any further regional military escalation would only strengthen Iran’s resolve.
The announcement comes amid continued tensions in the Gulf and growing concerns over the possibility of further military confrontation between Iran and the United States.