US-Iran-Israel War Updates: The US State Department has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information about Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other senior officials, accusing them of directing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ global terrorism operations. The announcement came Friday as Hezbollah’s leader dismissed Israeli threats as “worthless” and vowed a long confrontation, signaling the 14-day-old war shows no signs of easing .
Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei & Why Is the US Targeting Him?
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is a hardline cleric who was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8 to succeed his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. He has not appeared in public since assuming power, fueling speculation about his health.
His first statement as leader was read on state television rather than delivered in person. In it, he vowed that Iran would continue retaliatory actions and warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that Khamenei is “wounded and likely disfigured” and hiding underground. Iranian authorities say he remains active in leadership.
Who Else Is on the US Reward List?
The Rewards for Justice poster names several top Iranian figures. Alongside Khamenei, the list includes Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, senior military adviser Yahya Rahim Safavi, and security chief Ali Larijani.
“These individuals command and direct various elements of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organizes and executes terrorism around the world,” the State Department said. People with credible information can receive up to $10 million and possible relocation. The department said tipsters can submit information anonymously through encrypted channels.
What Did Hezbollah’s Leader Say About Israeli Threats?
In a televised speech Friday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem addressed Israeli threats directly. “Imam Ali said: ‘Death itself is a sufficient guard.’ Your threats therefore have no value,” Qassem said, speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He warned that Hezbollah has prepared for a long confrontation. “We have prepared ourselves for a long confrontation, and God willing, we will surprise them on the field,” he said. Qassem framed the conflict as a battle of legitimate defense. “In our dictionary there is neither defeat nor surrender.”
Hezbollah opened fire on Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. The group had observed a ceasefire agreement signed in November 2024 but said Israel violated it repeatedly.
What Is Happening on the Ground in Lebanon and Israel?
Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday, including a building adjacent to the city’s commercial center. Another strike hit a branch of the Hezbollah-linked financial firm Al Qard Al Hassan in downtown Beirut.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the nation Thursday. “It is a war we did not want; on the contrary, we are working day and night to bring it to an end,” he said. The violence has killed more than 687 people in Lebanon, according to national authorities. More than 800,000 people have registered as displaced.
In Israel, sirens warning of incoming missile fire from Iran blared across much of central Israel as Netanyahu held his press conference Thursday.
How Many People Have Died in the War So Far?
More than 2,000 people have been killed since the war began on February 28, according to CNN estimates. In Iran, the initial strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and about 800 others. Subsequent attacks have added to the toll.
In Lebanon, at least 687 people have been killed. Seven US troops have been killed, including six crew members whose refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq on Thursday.
What Did Netanyahu Say About Iran’s New Leader?
Netanyahu issued a veiled threat to kill Iran’s new supreme leader during his first press conference since the war began. “I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization,” Netanyahu said. “I don’t intend to provide an exact report here about what we are planning or what we are going to do.”
He said Iran is “no longer the same” after nearly two weeks of bombardment. Netanyahu also warned the Lebanese government directly. “You are playing with fire,” he said, adding that if Lebanon does not disarm Hezbollah, Israel will do the job “on the ground.”
What Is the Status of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran’s new leader has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through the waterway. Its effective closure has driven global oil prices above $100 a barrel and pushed US gas prices to a 22-month high of $3.63 a gallon. The US has released 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to combat the price spike, but analysts say it is not enough to offset supply concerns.
FAQs: US Reward and Iran War
Q: How much is the reward for Mojtaba Khamenei?
A: Up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Iran’s new supreme leader and other named officials.
Q: Who else is on the US reward list?
A: Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, senior adviser Yahya Rahim Safavi, and security chief Ali Larijani.
Q: What did Hezbollah’s leader say about Israeli threats?
A: Naim Qassem called them “worthless,” quoting Imam Ali: “Death itself is a sufficient guard.”
Q: How many people have died in the war?
A: More than 2,000 people, including over 687 in Lebanon and seven US troops.
Q: Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
A: About 20% of the world’s oil passes through it. Its closure has driven oil above $100 a barrel.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
