Washington, DC – In a significant intelligence move aimed at dismantling Iranian influence networks in the region, the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program announced on Wednesday, April 3, substantial rewards of up to $3 million. These rewards are offered for accurate information leading to the identification or location of “terrorist militia groups” allied with the Iranian regime.
Financial incentives and “relocation” for collaborators
The program published an urgent appeal on its “X” platform targeting those involved in the recent attacks on the US Embassy and diplomatic mission in Baghdad. The appeal also targeted the rocket attack on the US Consulate General in Erbil. The American offer was not limited to monetary rewards but also included the benefit of resettlement for informants and their families. This move clearly indicates Washington’s desire to provide full protection to anyone who contributes to crippling the pro-Tehran militias from within.
The context of the “great collapse” in the Iranian leadership hierarchy
These moves come in the wake of the severe shockwaves that rocked the Iranian regime last Saturday, March 29, following the large-scale joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel. The first wave of these attacks resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a number of senior political and military leaders. As a result, Iran has experienced an unprecedented leadership vacuum. Last month, the program offered rewards of up to $10 million for the capture of strategic leaders. Among these leaders were Ali Larijani (Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council) and Esmail Khatibzadeh (Minister of Intelligence), both of whom were later confirmed killed during the military operations.
Drying up the sources of field terrorism
Since the start of Operation Epic Wrath, the joint forces have expanded their target bank to include security centers, missile sites, nuclear weapons facilities, and even Basij and police bases. Observers believe that today’s “Rewards for Justice” campaign represents the second phase of the war. This phase, described as “intelligence warfare,” aims to prevent militias in Iraq from carrying out retaliatory attacks. It exploits the state of disarray and collapse within the ruling regime in Tehran following the loss of its key figures.
