In the face for more White House threats against Iran, including Scott Bessent's latest unprecedented 'economic isolation' plan for the Islamic Republic, it remains clear that the Iranians aren't backing down.
Instead, they are issuing some heightened threats and bluster of their own. The country's military in a surprise move announced Sunday that it was offering a bounty equivalent to $30,000 for killing or capturing US soldiers.
What's more, and perhaps even more provocative, is that the reward will double if the kill or capture of American troops is carried out by a woman.
"Anyone who kills or captures and hands over an invading American military personnel will receive a reward equivalent to $30,000 or 5 billion tomans from the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army," Army chief Amir Hatami announced.
"Courageous Iranian women who carry out such an action will receive double the reward," he added.
Hatami described the plan was the result of popular demand, citing a supposed "large number of requests" to participate, according to the IRNA state news agency. No additional details were given on whether the alarming new bounty program has a timeline or limit attached to it.
But Hatami did say, in a bizarre and very dark incentive, that whatever weapon is used to kill an American will later be held in a museum for the public to admire.
"Given the large volume of requests to participate in the financial jihad, a plan was prepared according to which, for every person who kills or captures and hands over an American aggressor force, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, with the support of the loved ones participating in the financial jihad and under its own guarantee, will receive a gift equivalent to $30,000 or 5 billion Tomans. Zealous Iranian women who succeed in this action will also receive double the reward," Hatami stated.
"The weapon of any person who succeeds in killing an American aggressor will be purchased at double the price and will receive a new weapon. The individual's weapon will also be kept in a planned museum," he added.
The Iranian army chief also reiterated calls for US forces to finally leave the Middle East altogether, saying "they no longer have permission to enter the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman or the Strait of Hormuz".
Throughout the conflict, Iran has frequently targeted locations in Gulf states where American forces are believed to be stationed. In some instances, Iranian officials have said they've even targeted hotels or other off-base locations where US troops are being housed.
Since President Trump launched Operation Epic Fury nearly six months ago, 18 US servicemembers have died according to official Pentagon figures, along with over 600 wounded or injured.