The administration of former President Donald Trump has announced a substantial $10 million reward for actionable information concerning Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, alongside other high-ranking officials within the Iranian government. This initiative is part of the US State Department's Rewards for Justice programme, which aims to gather intelligence on individuals involved in global terrorism.
Targeted Individuals and Their Roles
The State Department's list includes ten key figures, with Mojtaba Khamenei at the forefront. Other notable names are Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Minister of Intelligence and Security Esmail Khatib. Additionally, military adviser Yahya Rahim Safavi, deputy chief of staff Ali Asghar Hejazi, and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Lanjani are targeted.
According to the State Department, these individuals command and direct various elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an organization accused of planning, organizing, and executing terrorist activities worldwide. The department emphasized the IRGC's role in international terrorism, underscoring the urgency of the reward offer.
Anonymous Listings and Communication Methods
Interestingly, four leaders on the list were not named but identified solely by their titles: the military chief of the supreme leader's office, the IRGC commander, an adviser to the supreme leader, and the secretary of the defence council. This suggests a strategic move to target positions regardless of current occupants.
In a post on X, the US department encouraged potential informants to submit tips via secure channels such as Tor or Signal, with a message reading: 'Got information on these Iranian terrorist leaders? Send us a tip. It could make you eligible for a reward and relocation.' This highlights the programme's focus on confidentiality and safety for sources.
Poster Distribution and Historical Context
Two versions of the reward poster were issued—one in Farsi and another in English—indicating an appeal to Iranian speakers and a broader international audience. The Rewards for Justice program typically offers cash for intelligence leading to the capture or prosecution of wanted individuals, reinforcing its role in global security efforts.
This development follows the death of Mojtaba Khamenei's father, Ali Khamenei, in a bombing on February 28, which occurred at the outset of the US-Israeli war against Iran. The timing adds a layer of geopolitical tension to the reward announcement.
US Defense Secretary's Comments
In a related press conference, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commented on the new Ayatollah's condition, stating that Mojtaba Khamenei is 'wounded and likely disfigured.' Hegseth further claimed, 'Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding, they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do.'
These remarks, made during a Pentagon briefing, reflect the administration's assertive stance against Iran's leadership, portraying them as weakened and isolated. The combination of the reward offer and Hegseth's statements underscores a coordinated effort to pressure Iran's top echelons.
