Iran Army chief announces $30,000 bounty for killing or capturing US troops

Iran’s Army Commander-in-Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, has announced a financial reward for anyone who kills or captures an aggressor US soldier, declaring that the era of American military presence in the Persian Gulf is permanently over.

Speaking at a ceremony honoring National Journalist Day, General Hatami revealed a new initiative backed by public crowdfunding campaigns, where Iranian citizens donate money to support the armed forces for defense operations.

Under this plan, any individual who kills or captures a US soldier and hands them over to authorities will receive a reward of 5 billion Tomans (approximately $30,000).

General Hatami added that courageous Iranian women who accomplish this feat will receive double the reward.

Furthermore, the weapon used in the operation will be purchased by the Army at twice its market value and permanently displayed in a dedicated museum.

Unprecedented military reorganization

General Hatami emphasized that Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities are being rapidly rebuilt and expanded, noting that new capacities were already demonstrated during the recent clashes with American forces over the Strait of Hormuz.

He warned that enemies have fundamentally miscalculated Iran’s military strength and must not repeat the grave errors of the past, as Iran faces no limitations in defending its sovereignty.

He also highlighted a new military and security reorganization ordered by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, signaling that any regional military escalation will only make Iran more resolute.

General Hatami was pointing to a sweeping series of strategic appointments recently decreed by the Leader, which includes the promotion and reassignment of six top military and security commanders across the armed forces, including the high-profile appointment of veteran commander Major General Mohsen Rezaei as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

A permanent strategic shift

Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, the Army chief described the strategic waterway as a "divine geopolitical capacity" for the Iranian nation, asserting that it will never return to its previous status.

He mocked recent remarks by the US president, who joked about declaring the Strait part of American territory.

"You are very wrong! Even joking about this is a massive mistake," Hatami stated. "This is Iran, and it has guardians who will break your leg."

He affirmed that activating this geopolitical leverage was a necessary step to lift the shadow of war from Iran, and the country will protect it with all its might.

General Hatami announced that Iranian forces have successfully struck the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln at least once, temporarily grounding its fighter jets.

Iran’s army chief urges enhanced coordination in armed forces for stronger deterrence

Iran’s Army chief has called for closer coordination between the armed forces, saying greater cooperation between the Army and the IRGC can further strengthen Iran’s defense capabilities, deterrence and security.

While acknowledging that Washington denies the damage, he insisted the carrier is now in retreat amid unprecedented chaos and a severe mental health crisis among its crew.

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) has been deployed to the region for an unprecedented, extended period (exceeding 250 days) as part of the war of aggression against Iran.

Recent disclosures by US Democratic senators have highlighted deteriorating conditions aboard the carrier, including moldy facilities, rationed meals, and a severe mental health crisis with multiple reported suicide attempts among the crew.

Expulsion of US forces a reality

General Hatami ridiculed the US president as a "delusional loser," citing Western media reports that the president hid in a food truck out of fear and abandoned staff on a plane deemed to be facing a possible threat by the Secret Service during his recent visit to Turkey.

Highlighting the strategic impact of recent Iranian missile and drone strikes on US installations, particularly in Jordan, General Hatami emphasized that these operations delivered an unambiguous message that Iran’s reach is entirely unrestricted.

He asserted that the Iranian military’s ability to target aggressors is not only absolute but will continue to expand through tactical creativity and operational innovation, ensuring that no hostile element is beyond the scope of Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.

Furthermore, the commander underscored Iran’s proven technical superiority in neutralizing advanced air defense networks, noting that the Zionist regime has already witnessed Iranian munitions successfully breach its multi-layered defense shields.

He stated that the expulsion of American forces from the region is now an accomplished reality, and they no longer have permission to enter the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, or the Strait of Hormuz.

"The only way forward is the complete exit of Americans from the region," Hatami asserted. "We have won on this path, and we are now consolidating this victory."

He added that both the US and the Zionist regime are now in their most detested and isolated positions globally, as nations realize they can no longer rely on Washington for their security.

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