US Slaps $10M Bounty on Iran’s Khamenei, Allies in Escalating Feud

Escalation information leading to the capture or actionable intelligence on Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, could qualify for a reward of up to $10 million, along with possible relocation support for informants.

The US announcement arrives against a backdrop of surging tensions between Washington and Tehran, triggered by a dramatic leadership shift in Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old cleric, was formally named Supreme Leader on March 8 by Iran’s influential Assembly of Experts, the clerical body tasked with selecting the nation’s top authority following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. The elder Khamenei was killed in the opening salvos of the intensifying conflict pitting Iran against a US-Israel coalition.

In a show of unity, Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) swiftly pledged loyalty to the new leader as military clashes with the United States and Israel escalated.In his inaugural address, broadcast on state television rather than delivered personally, Mojtaba Khamenei promised unrelenting retaliation against Iran’s foes.

He vowed the war would rage on until justice was secured for Iranian losses, while threatening sustained disruptions to key Gulf oil shipping lanes. Neighboring nations sheltering US bases also received stark warnings of potential reprisals.

Khamenei’s continued absence from public appearances has sparked health rumors, with some US officials alleging conflict-related injuries. Iranian officials dismiss these claims, insisting he is fully engaged in guiding the nation.