President Donald Trump's administration, through the US Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, is offering a 15 million USD reward. This initiative seeks information on the financial sources of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its Quds Force, affiliated branches, or key financial support mechanisms. CNN reported this on 11/5, citing informed sources.

Washington also seeks information on how the IRGC transfers funds and supplies to its proxy forces and allied militias, as well as banks or money exchange facilities supporting these transactions. Specific targets include front companies, individuals assisting the IRGC in evading sanctions, financial institutions doing business with the IRGC, or entities owned by the force. The initiative aims to disrupt the IRGC's financial mechanisms and exert further pressure on Tehran, compelling Iran's leadership to agree to a deal with the US.

IRGC members at a parade in Tehran in 9/2018. Photo: AFP

Beyond the 15 million USD reward, the RFJ program's website also offers 10 million USD for information concerning key IRGC leaders and their constituent units. Individuals targeted for verification include Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, several unidentified advisors to Khamenei, and the IRGC's top commander, General Ahmad Vahidi.

In 2019, the US Department of State designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This followed the US Department of the Treasury's 2017 classification of the IRGC as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization". Consequently, all IRGC assets and property interests within US jurisdiction are frozen. US citizens are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the force or providing it with material or financial support.

Washington had previously announced a similar reward campaign in 11/2023, also targeting the IRGC's financial mechanisms. The statement at that time alleged IRGC involvement in the Ukraine conflict through its program supplying unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia.

On 11/5, the US Department of the Treasury also announced additional sanctions against three individuals and 9 companies accused of facilitating Iran's oil sales. These included 4 companies located in Hong Kong, 4 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and one in Oman.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) reported that these individuals and entities facilitated the IRGC's oil sales through a network of front companies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed the Trump administration's commitment to using sanctions to cut off funding for Iran's weapons and nuclear programs, as well as its allied forces in the region.

Thanh Danh (According to CNN, Reuters)