US offers $10m reward for five Iranian commanders

US offers $10m reward for five Iranian commanders

The United States has announced rewards of up to $10 million for information that helps identify or locate five senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program.

The programme named IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters chief Ali Abdollahi, IRGC Aerospace Force UAV commander Sa’id Aghajani, IRGC Cyber-Electronic Command chief Hamidreza Zolasgharian and IRGC Intelligence Office commander Majid Khademi.

Rewards for Justice said the five officials oversee different IRGC units involved in planning and carrying out operations that Washington describes as terrorism around the world. The programme also said informants who provide useful information could receive relocation assistance in addition to financial rewards.

The announcement comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. The US has designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation since 2019 and has repeatedly accused the group and its affiliated units of supporting armed groups and threatening US personnel and facilities.

China Rejects US Pressure on Iran

Meanwhile, China has urged the United States not to interfere with its cooperation with Iran following Washington’s launch of “Operation Economic Outcast,” a new sanctions campaign aimed at isolating Tehran from the global financial system.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing’s cooperation with Iran complies with international law and should not face disruption. He warned that unilateral US sanctions could increase tensions, create wider economic risks and affect the global financial system.

Lin also called for dialogue and negotiations to resolve the conflict, saying economic pressure and maximum-pressure policies cannot provide a lasting solution. He added that China would take necessary steps to protect its legitimate rights and interests.

China remains one of Iran’s largest oil customers, while both countries maintain a comprehensive strategic partnership. Their bilateral trade exceeded $41 billion last year.

Lin said China was closely following developments and again opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or approval from the UN Security Council.