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US Offers $15M Reward to Disrupt Iran's IRGC Financial Networks

The US State Department has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information on financial mechanisms linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The reward targets networks involved in selling and shipping Iranian oil to overseas buyers on behalf of the IRGC. Sanctions have been imposed on three senior IRGC officials from the Shahid Purja'fari Oil Headquarters for coordinating oil-related financial transactions. The measures aim to disrupt illicit funding streams that the US alleges finance terrorism and regional destabilization activities.

Key Points: $15M Reward for Info on Iran's IRGC Financial Mechanisms

  • US offers $15M reward for IRGC financial info
  • Targets oil-for-money schemes and front companies
  • Sanctions network selling Iranian oil to overseas buyers
  • Seeks info on IRGC-Quds Force financial infrastructure
2 min read

US State Department announces $15 million reward for information on Iran's IRGC financial mechanisms

US State Department offers up to $15 million reward for information disrupting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps financial networks and oil funding.

"These actions disrupt illicit funding streams that finance Iran's support for terrorist proxies and regional aggression. - State Department statement"

Washington DC, May 13

The US Department of State has announced a reward of up to USD 15 million for information on financial mechanisms linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as part of expanded sanctions and pressure measures targeting Tehran's alleged illicit oil and funding networks amid the conflict in West Asia.

In a statement issued on Monday, State Department spokesperson Thomas "Tommy" Pigott said the US is intensifying efforts under its "Economic Fury" sanctions framework aimed at disrupting revenue streams that Washington claims are used to finance terrorism and regional destabilisation activities.

"The Trump Administration is intensifying pressure on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by targeting the financial networks that enable its illicit oil operations," the statement read.

"The US Department of State's Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its various branches," it added.

The State Department announced sanctions on a network allegedly involved in selling and shipping Iranian oil to overseas buyers on behalf of the IRGC, along with three senior officials from the IRGC's Shahid Purja'fari Oil Headquarters.

The US said these individuals were involved in coordinating oil-related financial transactions.

According to the statement, the measures are intended to cut off funding channels that the US alleges are used to support proxy groups and military activities across the region, claiming that the Iranian people continue to face economic hardship due to corruption and mismanagement.

"These actions disrupt illicit funding streams that finance Iran's support for terrorist proxies and regional aggression. These oil revenues belong to the Iranian people, who face daily economic hardship due to the Iranian regime's corruption, mismanagement, and prioritisation of funding terrorist militias and weapons programmes over addressing the basic needs of its citizens," the statement read.

The State Department's Rewards for Justice programme also mentioned the same USD 15 million reward for information that could help disrupt the IRGC's financial infrastructure, including its various branches such as the IRGC-Quds Force.

The programme said it is seeking information on multiple aspects of IRGC-linked financing, including oil-for-money schemes, front companies, sanctions-evasion networks, financial institutions facilitating transactions, and procurement channels for dual-use technologies.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

M
Michael C
$15 million is a huge amount. But how effective are these rewards actually? The IRGC has been operating for decades despite similar sanctions. Seems like more political posturing than practical solution. Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians suffer from inflation and economic pressure.
P
Priya S
As someone who follows geopolitics, I find this concerning. The US keeps expanding sanctions without clear exit strategies. India has historically maintained strategic autonomy - we shouldn't be dragged into this web. Our Chabahar port development with Iran is crucial for Afghanistan trade. Hope our government treads wisely 🧐
R
Rohit P
Fair point about IRGC's role in regional destabilization - their involvement in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq is well documented. But unilateral US actions often backfire. Remember how previous sanctions pushed Iran closer to China and Russia? India should advocate for multilateral approaches at UN instead.
J
Jessica F
The statement says this money belongs to Iranian people - but sanctions hurt ordinary citizens more than the regime. Look at Venezuela or North Korea. Sanctions create black markets and strengthen authoritarian control. Maybe diplomatic engagement would work better than this "maximum pressure" approach.
V
Vikram M
Interesting timing - right after Iran-Israel tensions. India has good relations with both Iran and Israel. We should play a mediating role rather than taking sides. Also, $15 million reward might attract false information. The program needs robust verification mechanisms.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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