Tehran: The Iranian military announced on Sunday it would be offering a $30,000 reward for the killing or capturing of US soldiers, with the bounty doubled if conducted by a woman. There have been no known deployments of US ground troops in Iran during the war except for a rescue mission carried out in April.
According to France24.com, Iran's military made this announcement amidst ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Army chief Amir Hatami stated that the plan was formulated following numerous requests to participate, as reported by the IRNA state news agency. Hatami did not provide specifics regarding where or when these actions were expected to take place.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, has seen sporadic exchanges of fire primarily around southern Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a temporary ceasefire in April and subsequent peace talks in June, diplomatic efforts have largely stalled.
A significant rescue operation by the US in April retrieved an airman, involving substantial military resources. Since the onset of the war, 17 US military personnel have been killed, all outside Iran. The US and Iran continue indirect communications through mediators, but a diplomatic breakthrough remains elusive. Iran has laid out demands, including war damages, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage.