US Announces $10 Million Reward for Information on Iran's New Supreme Leader and Senior Officials
The United States has unveiled a substantial reward of up to 10 million dollars for intelligence linked to senior Iranian figures, including the newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. This offer was issued through the Rewards for Justice Programme, a US government initiative, on Friday, March 13, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following a leadership transition in Iran.
Details of the Reward and Targeted Individuals
According to a poster shared on social media platform X, the reward targets individuals accused of directing or overseeing operations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the United States alleges plays a central role in planning and executing terrorist attacks beyond Iran's borders. The poster stated, "These individuals command and direct various elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organises and executes terrorism around the world."
Senior Iranian figures listed in the notice include:
- Esmail Khatib, Iran's Minister of Intelligence
- Ali Asghar Hejazi, a senior aide to the supreme leader
- Yahya Rahim Safavi, a military adviser
- Eskandar Momeni, the Interior Minister
- Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme Council
The banner also referenced key offices without assigning specific names, such as the secretary of the Supreme Defence Council, the head of the supreme leader's military office, the commander in chief of the IRGC, and an adviser to the supreme leader.
Background and Rising Tensions
This announcement comes after weeks of heightened strain between the United States and Iran, following the leadership change in Tehran. Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of supreme leader on March 8 after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the early phase of an ongoing conflict involving Iran and a US-Israel coalition.
Officials indicated that individuals providing credible information could qualify for financial compensation and possible relocation. The move underscores the US government's efforts to gather intelligence on Iranian leadership activities amid regional instability.
International Reactions and Regional Incidents
In related developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to Mojtaba Khamenei, expressing confidence that the new leader would uphold his father's legacy and guide Iran through difficult circumstances. The Kremlin stated that Putin believes Khamenei will continue his father's work "with honour" and help unite the Iranian people "in the face of severe trials."
Additionally, a military projectile struck a residential compound in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, resulting in two fatalities and 12 injuries. Saudi authorities confirmed the incident, with emergency response teams conducting rescue and safety procedures. This event adds to the regional tensions highlighted by the US reward offer.
The United States' reward initiative reflects ongoing geopolitical challenges and efforts to address security concerns linked to Iranian leadership, as international relations remain strained in the Middle East.
