US offers $10 million bounty for Iran's new supreme leader
What's the story
The United States has announced a reward of up to $10 million (approximately ₹92.6 crore) for information on Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The announcement was made through the US State Department's Rewards for Justice program, which the Diplomatic Security Service manages. According to the Rewards for Justice system statement, "These individuals command and direct various elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organizes, and executes terrorism around the world."
Escalating conflict
Bounty announcement amid escalating conflict
The bounty announcement comes as the US and Israel continue their air campaign against Iran, now in its third week. The offensive began on February 28 with strikes that killed former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump has promised to hit Iranian targets "very hard" in the coming days, signaling an escalation of the conflict.
Military action
US and Israel claim to have degraded Iran's capabilities
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington and Israel have struck over 15,000 enemy targets since the air campaign began. He claimed that missile attacks from Iran have fallen by 90% and drone strikes by 95%. According to him, the campaign has severely degraded Iran's ability to retaliate, with missiles and drones being destroyed or shot down.
Leadership impact
Mojtaba Khamenei injured in attack that killed his father
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was reportedly "wounded and likely disfigured" in the February 28 attack that killed his father. However, Iranian officials have confirmed only that he was injured. The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets as Iran's Revolutionary Guards closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil supply route.
Energy disruption
Oil prices surge, stock markets on edge
In related news, oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel due to the conflict, and stock markets are on edge. Brent crude was priced at $103 per barrel, the highest since the immediate aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Iranian officials have warned that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain under pressure and that the conflict could escalate if attacks continue.