Iran’s Army Commander-in-Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, addresses a meeting to honor journalists in Tehran.
Iran’s Army Commander-in-Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, has announced a financial reward for anyone who kills or captures an aggressor US soldier, declaring that the era of American military presence in the Persian Gulf is permanently over.
Speaking at a ceremony honoring 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 defense 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 emphasized 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 Iran faces no limitations in defending its sovereignty.
He also highlighted a new military and security reorganization 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 the US president, 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 leg.”
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.
General Hatami announced that Iranian forces have successfully struck the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln at least once, temporarily grounding its fighter jets.
Iran’s Army chief has called for closer coordination between the armed forces, saying greater cooperation between the Army and the IRGC can further strengthen Iran’s defense 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 moldy facilities, rationed meals, and a severe mental health crisis with multiple reported suicide attempts among the crew.
Read also:
