TEHRAN (International Desk) – Iran’s military has announced a financial reward equivalent to $30000 for anyone who kills or captures US soldiers, a move that has intensified concerns over escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
According to reports by AFP, Iran’s Army Chief General Amir Hatami announced the plan, saying it was developed following what he described as a large number of requests from individuals seeking to participate in financial support initiatives.
Speaking through Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Hatami said that any person who kills or captures an “invading American military personnel” and hands them over to Iranian authorities would receive a reward equivalent to 5 billion tomans, or approximately $30000.
He added that Iranian women who carry out such an action would receive double the reward, increasing the announced amount to around $60,000.
The announcement comes amid continued hostility between Iran and the United States, with both countries having a long history of political disputes, military confrontations and competing regional interests.
Iranian officials have frequently criticised US military presence in the Middle East, accusing Washington of interfering in regional affairs. The United States, meanwhile, has maintained that its military deployments are aimed at protecting allies, ensuring regional security and countering threats from hostile actors.
The latest statement by Iran’s military leadership is likely to draw international attention because of its direct reference to targeting US personnel. Such declarations could further increase diplomatic tensions and raise concerns among security analysts about potential risks to American forces operating in the region.
The announcement also reflects the broader pattern of confrontation between Tehran and Washington, which has included economic sanctions, cyber disputes, military incidents and disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated significantly after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement under the administration of former President Donald Trump and imposed additional sanctions on Iran. Tehran responded by reducing its compliance with some nuclear restrictions and expanding its regional influence.
Security experts believe that rhetoric encouraging attacks against foreign military personnel can complicate efforts aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining stability in conflict-prone regions.
The US government has not yet issued an official response to the reported bounty announcement. However, previous statements from Washington have warned Iran against actions that threaten American citizens, military personnel or diplomatic interests.
The development comes at a time when the Middle East remains affected by multiple security challenges, including conflicts, proxy confrontations and competition among regional and global powers.
Analysts say that while such announcements may be intended as political messaging or a demonstration of resistance, they also carry the potential to increase risks for military personnel and civilians.
The situation highlights the fragile nature of US-Iran relations and the continuing struggle between diplomatic engagement and confrontation.
As tensions persist, international observers are closely monitoring reactions from Washington, Tehran and regional governments to determine whether the latest statement leads to further escalation or remains limited to political rhetoric.