The United States has announced a substantial reward of up to ₹92.47 crore (approximately $10 million) for information pertaining to Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and other senior officials associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This announcement was made public by the US State Department through its Rewards for Justice program.
The Rewards for Justice Program
This initiative, operated by the Diplomatic Security Service, aims to gather intelligence on individuals linked to terrorism, particularly leaders within the IRGC. The program emphasized the vital role these members play in orchestrating terrorist activities globally.
Key Figures Named
- Mojtaba Khamenei – Supreme Leader of Iran
- Ali Asghar Hejazi – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Supreme Leader’s Office
- Ali Larijani – Iran’s Security Chief
The announcement included silhouettes for some individuals due to a lack of available photographs.
Geopolitical Context
The announcement comes amid a widespread military operation by the United States and Israel, which has been ongoing for three weeks. US President Donald Trump indicated that intensified strikes against Iranian targets would continue in the coming days.
Air Campaign Statistics
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that more than 15,000 targets have been engaged since the campaign began on February 28, coinciding with the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This aggressive strategy has reportedly degraded Iran’s operational capabilities significantly:
- Missile attacks have decreased by 90%.
- Drone strikes have fallen by 95%.
According to Hegseth, Iranian missile launchers and drones have suffered considerable destruction. Reports suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded during an airstrike that killed his father.
Impact on Global Energy Markets
The ongoing conflict has disrupted global energy supplies, particularly affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage for oil. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil flows through this narrow channel. As tensions escalate, oil prices have surged over $100 a barrel, causing uncertainty in stock markets worldwide.
Iran’s Response
Iranian officials have pledged to maintain pressure on shipping routes within the Strait of Hormuz and warned of potential escalation in response to continued military actions directed at the country. The international community remains on alert as the situation evolves.
