Iran’s Army Commander-in-Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, has announced a financial reward for anyone who kills or captures an aggressor United States soldier, declaring that the era of American military presence in the Persian Gulf is over for good.
Speaking at a ceremony honouring 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 defence 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.
General Hatami emphasised 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 there are no limits when it comes to Iran defending its sovereignty.
He also highlighted a new military and security reorganisation 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).
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 United States president, Trump 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 legs.’
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.
He also announced that Iranian forces have successfully struck the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln at least once, temporarily grounding its fighter jets.
And he called for closer coordination between the armed forces, saying greater cooperation between the Army and the IRGC (Revolutionary Guards) can further strengthen Iran’s defence 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 mouldy facilities, rationed meals, and a severe mental health crisis with multiple reported suicide attempts among the crew.
General Hatami ridiculed the US president as a ‘delusional loser’, citing Western media reports that Trump hid in a food truck out of fear and abandoned staff on a plane deemed by the Security Service to be facing a possible threat, 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 emphasised that these operations have delivered an unambiguous message that Iran’s reach is entirely unrestricted.
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 the country’s retaliatory capabilities.
Furthermore, the commander underscored Iran’s proven technical superiority in neutralising advanced air defence networks, noting that the Israeli Zionist regime has already witnessed Iranian munitions successfully breach its multi-layered defence shields.
The expulsion of American forces from the region is now a 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 realise they can no longer rely on Washington for their security.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says the country has managed to secure ‘true victory’ on both military and political fronts in its war with the US and Israel, which have failed to achieve any of their objectives.
Speaking at a meeting with parliamentary reporters on Saturday, Qalibaf said Iran is engaged in an ‘unfair war’ led by the US and the Israeli regime.
He added that the Iranian nation stood firm and fought courageously throughout the 40 days of the US-Israeli unprovoked war and played a decisive role in the Islamic Republic’s military and political victory.
The top Iranian parliamentarian emphasised that the US and Israel entered the war with nine clearly defined and documented objectives that were repeatedly announced in official statements.
‘However, they failed to achieve any of their goals at any level.
‘This was the greatest absolute defeat for the United States and the Zionist regime, and a great victory for us,’ Qalibaf reiterated.
He also noted that a memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States in June was a ‘document of pride and victory’ that consolidates Tehran’s achievements in the diplomatic arena.
He said Iran’s ‘honourable victory’ in both military operations and diplomacy has been made possible by the Iranian people, who fostered their unity since the outset of the war in late February.
During the US-Israeli-imposed war, Iranians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds stood firm in defence of the Islamic Revolution and their territory with honour, the Parliament speaker added.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran not only prevailed on the battlefield but also succeeded diplomatically in the recent aggression and the 12-day war.
The US and the Israeli regime started their illegal war of aggression against Iran on February 28.
However, forty days later, on April 8th, the enemies were forced to accept a ceasefire amid Iran’s resistance and successful retaliatory operations.
On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed the Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end all hostilities and prepare for further negotiations.
However, Washington has violated all provisions of the understanding, prompting Iran to deliver a firm response.
