According to the Mehr news agency, Hatami made the announcement during a ceremony held to mark Journalists’ Day.

  “If an Iranian citizen manages to capture or kill a US soldier attacking our territory, they will receive a $30,000 reward on behalf of the Iranian people,” the military chief declared.

  Hatami added that the reward would be doubled if the action were carried out by a woman.

  The announcement comes amidst persistent tensions between Iran and the United States following military clashes over the past few months.

  The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iranian territory on February 28, while Tehran responded with actions against US and Israeli targets in the region before a ceasefire was reached.

  Washington subsequently resumed its attacks between July 8 and 24; Iran responded with operations against US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, according to Tehran’s account.

  The parties later resumed contacts regarding the security of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

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