An Iran-backed Iraqi militia group has announced a $10 million reward for anyone who kills US President Donald Trump. The group, Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), blamed Trump for the 2020 US drone strike near Baghdad that killed Iran’s top military commander General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Why did the Iraqi militia announce a bounty on Trump?
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said the reward would be given to anyone who manages to kill Trump. The group stated that the person could either carry out the attack personally, instruct others to do it, or provide help as an individual, group, organisation or any other entity.
According to Iran’s state-run Press TV, the militia claimed that it has already arranged the $10 million amount for the reward. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
The announcement has increased tensions between Iran-backed groups and the United States, with the militia linking the bounty to the killing of its former allies.
Why did Trump mention the Qassem Soleimani strike again?
The announcement came shortly after Trump referred to the 2020 military operation during his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House.
Trump defended the decision to target Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, saying the strike eliminated a major threat. He also mentioned Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed alongside Soleimani in the attack.
Trump had previously said Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of many people directly and indirectly and that the operation was necessary to protect American interests.
Who was Qassem Soleimani and why was he targeted?
Qassem Soleimani was the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force and was considered one of the most powerful figures in the country’s military establishment. He played a key role in managing Iran’s military operations and supporting allied groups across the Middle East.
Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad airport in January 2020. The operation also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a senior commander of Iraq’s Iran-backed militia network.
While the US accused Soleimani of planning attacks against American forces and allies, Iran viewed him as a national hero.
First published on: Jul 18, 2026 09:59 AM IST
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