Iran's military has announced a bounty of $30,000 for anyone who kills or captures a US soldier, according to state media reports. The reward would be doubled if the action is carried out by a woman.
The announcement comes as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to simmer in West Asia, with both sides periodically exchanging strikes on targets and interests in the region.
Iranian army chief Amir Hatami said the decision followed what he described as a large number of requests from people wanting to contribute financially.
"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," Hatami was quoted by IRNA as saying, reported Hindustan Times.
Hatami did not specify where or when such an operation against US personnel was expected to take place.
Women offered double the bounty
The army chief separately announced a higher reward for women carrying out the same action.
"Courageous Iranian women who carry out such an action will receive double the reward," he added.
According to the report, there has been no known deployment of US ground troops inside Iran during the conflict, apart from a rescue operation in April involving a downed American pilot.
Strait of Hormuz remains key flashpoint
The bounty announcement comes against the backdrop of continued tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway and a major route for global oil and gas shipments.
The conflict began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, according to the report. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US bases in neighbouring Arab countries.
Tehran also imposed an effective blockade on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sending energy prices higher and disrupting global trade.
Ceasefire and peace efforts falter
The initial fighting was followed by an April ceasefire after nearly 40 days of conflict, with Pakistan acting as a mediator. A framework for peace talks was also announced in June, but the negotiations later collapsed.
Since then, Iran and the US have continued to exchange fire intermittently, with much of the fighting focused on southern Iran and areas around the Strait of Hormuz.
The involvement of Yemen's Houthi rebels in attacks on commercial shipping has also disrupted the Red Sea route, adding another layer to the ongoing regional tensions.