The United States has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, along with several other senior Iranian officials. The move comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The reward has been issued under the US State Department’s “Rewards for Justice” programme. Officials said the offer seeks information about individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Washington accuses of supporting activities that threaten regional stability and international security.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed Iran’s top leadership position after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during recent US-Israeli airstrikes. Since then, the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has intensified, raising fears of wider regional instability.
The reward announcement also includes information about several key Iranian figures believed to be involved in security and intelligence operations. US authorities said individuals who provide credible information could receive financial compensation and may also qualify for relocation support to ensure their safety.
At the same time, the conflict is beginning to affect global trade and logistics. Air freight rates have surged as airlines and cargo companies avoid routes across the Middle East due to security concerns and military activity in the region.
Industry analysts say cargo carriers are increasingly rerouting flights to bypass high-risk areas, leading to longer travel times and higher operational costs. In some cases, businesses have shifted shipments from sea to air to avoid potential disruptions in maritime routes.
One of the key concerns is instability near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping passage that handles a significant share of the world’s oil and energy supplies. Any disruption in this corridor could have major consequences for global trade and energy markets.
