U.S. Puts $10 Million Price on Heads of Iran's Military Elite
Amid a broader tightening of sanctions against Iran, the U.S. government has unveiled a significant new measure targeting the country's military command structure. Official sources confirm that the U.S. State Department announced a bounty program on August 24, offering rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to senior Iranian military officials, including IRGC Commander-in-Chief Ahmad Vahidi.
Bounty Targets Key Command and Operational Leaders
The newly published list identifies five senior Iranian figures. In addition to Vahidi, the individuals now subject to the bounty include:
- Ali Abdollahi: Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces
- Saeed Aghajani: Commander of the IRGC's Drone Command
These positions are central to Iran's military planning and unmanned warfare capabilities, indicating a focused intelligence-gathering effort by Washington.
An Expanding Reward Strategy
This move is part of an ongoing strategy. With the addition of these five names, the total number of individuals on the U.S. reward list related to Iran has reached 14. The approach systematically uses financial incentives to solicit intelligence on Iranian military operations.
Setting the bounty at the $10 million tier is seen as an attempt to penetrate the security surrounding high-profile targets and encourage insiders to come forward. The tactic complements diplomatic and economic pressure, forming a multi-pronged campaign against Tehran.
The U.S.-Iran relationship remains strained over issues including nuclear negotiations and regional proxy conflicts. The issuance of these bounties introduces a new element into an already volatile dynamic, with potential implications for geopolitical stability in the Middle East.