Iran’s Army Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, has announced a $30,000 reward for anyone who kills or captures a US soldier, according to Iranian media reports.
Hatami made the remarks during an event held to mark National Journalists’ Day. He also described the US military presence in the Persian Gulf as a chapter that Iran wants to bring to an end.
According to the reports, the proposed reward would go to anyone who kills a US soldier or captures one and hands the person over to Iranian authorities.
The reported reward stands at $30,000, or about 5 billion Iranian tomans.
Higher Reward Proposed for Iranian Women
Hatami also announced a higher reward for Iranian women who take part in the reported initiative.
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According to Iranian media, women would receive twice the stated amount if they carry out the action.
Hatami also said the military would buy the weapon used in such an action at twice its market value. He said the weapon would then go on permanent display in a military museum.
The reported comments came as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high.
Hatami Warns Against US Military Presence
The Iranian Army chief also spoke about the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
He described the waterway as a major geopolitical and geographic asset for Iran. Hatami said Iran’s strategic advantage in the area would not return to its previous position.
He also criticized US President Donald Trump over his statements about the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Hatami, the recent conflict had highlighted the strategic value of the waterway. He said Iran had already understood its importance before the conflict.
Iran Rejects US Military Presence in Gulf
Hatami said the strategic advantage could play a key role in ending the conflict on terms that would remove the threat of war against Iran.
He also said the US military should not be allowed to enter the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman or the Strait of Hormuz.
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“We must make sure that everyone understands this,” Hatami said, according to Iranian media reports.
He added that US military bases in the region would not return to their previous status. Iran, he said, would not allow that to happen.
Rising Tensions Around the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major focus of tensions between Iran and the United States.
The waterway links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. It also serves as a key route for global energy shipments.
Hatami’s remarks signal Iran’s continued opposition to a US military presence in the area. However, the reported reward announcement could further raise tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The statements come as both sides continue to exchange strong warnings over the future of the region and the strategic waterway.
