The US State Department just put a $10 million price tag on the head of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. This isn't just another routine sanction or a strongly worded letter from a podium in D.C. It’s an aggressive, loud signal that the transition of power in Tehran is being met with maximum friction. By targeting the son of the late Ali Khamenei, along with a handpicked list of military and intelligence heavyweights, the Rewards for Justice program is trying to crack the regime’s inner circle from the inside out.
If you’ve got information that leads to the identification or location of these men, the US government wants to talk. And they’re willing to pay enough to change your life—and relocate you—to get it.
The $10 Million List
This isn’t a blanket bounty on every bureaucrat in Tehran. It’s a surgical strike at the people who actually pull the triggers and move the money. The State Department's Diplomatic Security Service released a list that reads like a "who’s who" of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Supreme Leader’s private office.
The primary target is Mojtaba Khamenei. For years, he was the shadow prince, the man behind his father’s curtain. Now that he’s stepped into the top spot, the US is labeling him—and those around him—as the architects of global instability. Joining him on the "most wanted" list are:
- Ali Asghar Hejazi: The deputy chief of staff in the Supreme Leader's office. He’s essentially the gatekeeper.
- Ali Larijani: The new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. He’s a veteran diplomat and pragmatist who has now been firmly shoved into the crosshairs.
- Yahya Rahim Safavi: A senior military adviser who has been part of the IRGC’s core since the 1980s.
- Eskandar Momeni: The Interior Minister, responsible for domestic security and, by extension, the brutal suppression of protests.
- Esmail Khatib: The Intelligence Minister, the man who runs the regime's vast spying and torture apparatus.
Beyond these names, the US is also hunting for four specific "unnamed" roles: the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, the head of the military office, the secretary of the Supreme Defense Council, and a key adviser. They don’t just want the names; they want the networks.
Why the Rewards for Justice Program Matters
You might think $10 million is just a drop in the bucket for men who control an entire country’s oil wealth. But these rewards aren't meant to tempt the leaders themselves. They’re meant to tempt the driver, the bodyguard, the disgruntled IT specialist, or the middle-ranking officer who sees the writing on the wall.
Since 1984, the Rewards for Justice program has paid out over $250 million to more than 125 people. It’s a tool that works because it offers the one thing the Iranian regime can’t: a way out. If you provide actionable intel, the US doesn't just cut you a check; they offer relocation and a new identity. In a regime held together by fear and dwindling cash, that’s a powerful incentive.
The Strategy Behind the Timing
Why now? The timing isn’t accidental. Iran is currently grappling with a shaky leadership transition and a collapsing economy. By putting a bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei and his inner circle, the US is intentionally increasing the "paranoia tax" within the IRGC.
When a leader knows there’s a $10 million bounty on his location, he stops trusting his inner circle. He changes his routine. He limits his communication. Every new face in the room is a potential informant. That friction slows down decision-making and makes it harder for the IRGC to coordinate the "malign activities" the US is so worried about—like drone shipments to Russia or funding proxies in the Levant.
Breaking the IRGC Network
The IRGC isn’t just a military; it’s a conglomerate. It controls ports, telecommunications, and black-market oil smuggling. The US isn't just looking for GPS coordinates for a drone strike. They’re looking for:
- Financial pathways: How is the money moving through "shadow banks"?
- Cyber operations: Who is behind the Shahid Shushtari group and other units targeting US infrastructure?
- Command and Control: Who gives the final "go" order for regional strikes?
What This Means for Global Security
This move signals that the US has zero intention of "resetting" relations with the new Supreme Leader. Instead of a honeymoon period, Mojtaba Khamenei is getting a bullseye. It’s a clear message to the Iranian people, too: the US sees a distinction between the citizens and the "terrorist leaders" (as the State Department banner calls them) who run the show.
The US is betting that the regime is more brittle than it looks. By targeting the Intelligence Minister and the Interior Minister, they’re hitting the very people responsible for keeping the Iranian public in check. If those leaders are looking over their shoulders, they’re less effective at looking at their own citizens.
If You Have Information
The State Department has made it clear they aren't looking for casual gossip. They want specifics. They've set up dedicated, encrypted channels for tips. If you're someone with access to the IRGC's inner workings, the US is effectively offering you a retirement plan in exchange for the regime's secrets.
- Use the Tor network to access their reporting portals.
- Use Signal or other encrypted messaging platforms.
- Do not use standard email or unsecured phone lines.
The stakes are high. $10 million is a lot of money, but the risk in Tehran is even higher. The US is banking on the fact that for someone, somewhere in the IRGC, the math will finally add up. If you're following this from the outside, keep an eye on how the IRGC responds. Usually, when they feel the heat, they lash out—which only proves the pressure is working.
If you want to track the current list of wanted individuals or see the specific criteria for a payout, you can check the official Rewards for Justice site. Just make sure you're using a VPN if you're anywhere near a sensitive region.
