AiBotTehran, Iran – In a move seen as a bold declaration of its stance on the escalating tensions with the United States, Iran has announced substantial rewards for anyone providing information leading to the capture of an American pilot said to have been involved in a recent airstrike on Iranian soil.
Citing credible sources, a prominent Iranian channel, Press TV, revealed on Sunday that the country’s security forces have launched a nationwide operation to locate the pilot, who allegedly flew a drone strike on an Iranian defense facility on January 28. The attack, reportedly, was in retaliation for a US drone strike that killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad a year ago.
In an interview with Press TV, a senior Iranian military official stated that the search operation is a top priority for the country’s defense establishment. The official emphasized that authorities in Tehran are working relentlessly to track down the US pilot and bring him to justice, promising stern action against any individuals found to be collaborating with foreign powers that threaten Iran’s national security.
In an apparent bid to encourage cooperation from ordinary citizens, Iranian state-owned news agencies have announced a significant reward for information leading to the capture and questioning of the American pilot. According to Iranian media reports, the reward will be substantial, with some outlets suggesting it could be as high as 10 billion rials (approximately $250,000 USD) for individuals providing actionable intelligence on the pilot’s whereabouts.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported Monday that the nationwide search operation is focusing on several locations, including major cities, airports, and border areas with neighboring countries. The security forces involved in the operation have been advised to conduct thorough checks on the identity and movements of any foreign nationals.
The Iranian government has maintained its tough stance on the US military presence in the region, accusing American forces of perpetrating numerous terrorist acts against Iranian citizens, particularly after the assassination of Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. This latest development comes amid growing concerns in the international community about escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has stated on numerous occasions that the US is engaged in “terrorism” against Iranian citizens, vowing to take “retaliatory measures” in response to foreign threats against the country. With tensions persisting between Tehran and Washington, it remains to be seen how the latest bounty announcement from Iran will be perceived by global powers, including the United States.