Iran offers $30,000 bounty for killing or capturing US soldiers

Iranian military officials have announced an enticing $30,000 bounty for the killing or capture of US soldiers, with the reward doubled for women involved in the act. Army chief Amir Hatami revealed this plan, stating it was prompted by numerous requests from individuals wishing to participate. No US ground forces have been present in Iran during the ongoing conflict, aside from a rescue mission in April to recover an American airman who had crash-landed.

Hatami did not disclose specific details regarding the location or timing of the intended target, but emphasized Iran's stance that the US should cease its presence in the region. He reiterated Iran's demand for the US to vacate the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The war between Iran and the United States commenced on February 28 following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran.

In the first month of hostilities, the US executed a rescue operation to recover a weapon systems officer from an F-15 jet, involving around 200 troops and more than 170 aircraft. Iranian forces damaged an A-10 ground attack aircraft during the mission, which was later ditched in friendly territory. The US subsequently abandoned and destroyed various aircraft, including a C-130 transport plane.

Prior to the rescue, the pilot of the F-15 had been rescued in a smaller operation. After a ceasefire in April, the war resumed with intermittent skirmishes primarily occurring in southern Iran and around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and the US have continued indirect communication through mediators, but have yet to achieve any significant diplomatic progress.

Iran has also presented a list of demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which includes seeking compensation for damages sustained during the conflict. To date, 17 US military personnel have lost their lives as a result of the war, all of which occurred outside Iran in countries such as Jordan and Iraq.