Iran news: Bounty offered for killing U.S. soldiers

Iran's military announced on Sunday that it is offering a $30,000 bounty for the killing or capturing of U.S. soldiers, with the reward doubled for a woman. The plan was reportedly initiated following numerous requests, according to state news agency IRNA. Army chief Amir Hatami stated that the incentive was created due to the demand for participation in financial support.

No known U.S. ground forces have been deployed in Iran during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, except for a rescue mission in April to retrieve a downed American pilot. Hatami did not offer specifics on the location or time of the planned killings or captures. "Any individual who kills or captures and hands over an invading American military personnel will receive a reward equivalent to $30,000 or 5 billion tomans from the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army," Hatami declared, using an informal currency equivalent.

"Brave Iranian women who carry out such an action will receive double the reward," he added. The conflict between Tehran and Washington began on February 28 after the United States, along with Israel, attacked Iran. A ceasefire was reached on April 15 after almost 40 days of fighting, and a peace talks framework later fell through.

Since the ceasefire, Iran and the U.S. have engaged in sporadic exchanges of fire, with most of the action occurring in southern Iran and around the Strait of Hormuz.