$ 10 Million Bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei: US Offers Huge Reward and Possible Relocation for Informants

Washington: Amid growing tension between the US and Iran, Washington has announced a huge reward for information about Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei and several top officials associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Under the 'Rewards for Justice' program of the US State Department, this reward has been kept up to a maximum of 10 million dollars (about more than Rs 92 crore).

This announcement is being considered as part of America's strategy through which it wants to increase pressure on Iran's military and strategic leadership.

What is America's new reward announcement?

The US State Department has issued a public appeal saying that a reward of up to $10 million can be given to anyone who provides reliable information about Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei or other senior officials associated with the IRGC. This information may be related to the activities, networks or locations of these officers.

Which Iranian officials are included in this list?

Apart from Mojtaba Khamenei, many senior security and intelligence officials are also said to be included among the people about whom America has sought information. These also include advisors related to national security, officials of the intelligence ministry, and some senior officials related to internal security. Washington claims that these officers are linked to IRGC units that play a role in planning and carrying out military and covert activities around the world.

What is the ‘Rewards for Justice’ program?

This program is run by the US State Department and administered by the Diplomatic Security Service. Its objective is to collect information from people who are associated with networks or individuals considered to be an international security threat. Under this program, rewards worth crores of dollars have already been announced for those providing information about many terrorist organizations and their financiers.

What protection will the person giving the information get?

American officials say that the identity of the people giving information will be kept completely secret. If needed, along with providing them security, they can also be given the option of transferring to another country or settling in America.

Why was this announcement made now?

This reward has been announced at a time when America and Israel have intensified their military campaign against Iran and tension in the region is continuously increasing. According to analysts, the purpose of this step is to create additional pressure on Iran's military structure and leadership.