Full Breakdown
U.S. Offers $10 Million Reward for Information on Iran's New Supreme Leader and IRGC Officials
3/15/2026, 12:53:01 AM
Overview of the Reward Announcement
On March 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a reward of up to $10 million for information regarding Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and nine other senior officials associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This initiative is part of the State Department's Rewards for Justice program, which aims to gather intelligence on individuals accused of orchestrating terrorist activities against the United States and its allies.
Key Figures Targeted
The reward specifically targets Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father, the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his death in a U.S.-Israeli missile strike on February 28, 2026. Other notable figures on the list include:
- Ali Asghar Hejazi, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Supreme Leader
- Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council
- Yahya Rahim Safavi, Military Adviser to the Supreme Leader
- Esmail Khatib, Minister of Intelligence and Security
- Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister
Additionally, four unnamed officials linked to the IRGC's command structure are also included in the reward offer.
Context of the Announcement
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following coordinated military strikes by the U.S. and Israel targeting Iranian military sites. The IRGC, established after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. since 2019, accused of planning and executing attacks against American interests globally.
Official Statements & Responses
The State Department emphasized the importance of the IRGC in Iran's military and political landscape, stating, "These individuals command and direct various elements of the IRGC, which plans, organizes, and executes terrorism around the world." The program encourages individuals with credible information to submit tips through secure channels, including the Tor browser and Signal messaging app, with the potential for relocation assistance.
Criticism & Opposition
Iranian officials have consistently denied allegations of terrorism, labeling U.S. claims as politically motivated. They argue that such accusations are used to justify sanctions and pressure campaigns against Iran. Following the announcement, Iranian authorities have not publicly commented, and the Iranian mission to the United Nations did not respond to inquiries.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Despite U.S. assertions that Iran's leadership is "cowering" underground, Ali Larijani was seen publicly attending a rally shortly after the reward announcement, contradicting claims about the Iranian leadership's status. This discrepancy raises questions about the actual condition and visibility of Iran's top officials following the military strikes.
What's Next
The U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing military operations in the region and heightened rhetoric from both U.S. and Iranian officials. As the conflict evolves, the implications of the reward announcement may further influence U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Got information on these Iranian terrorist leaders? Send us a tip. It could make you eligible for a reward and relocation.” — U.S. State Department Rewards for Justice program
- “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), part of Iran’s official military, plays a central role in Iran’s use of terrorism as a key tool of Iranian statecraft,” — U.S. State Department
This reward initiative underscores the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to disrupt Iranian influence and counter perceived threats from the IRGC and its leadership.
