An umbrella group of Iran-aligned Iraqi militias has announced a purported $10 million reward for the killing of US President Donald Trump, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran’s regional allies.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said the money would go to “anyone who kills Donald Trump” or anyone who finances or facilitates an attack. The coalition claimed supporters raised the money through donations, but provided no evidence.
The threat followed Trump’s July 14 White House meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Trump again discussed the January 2020 US drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Trump’s Remarks Trigger Militia Response
Trump defended the strike and said, “I killed him in my first administration. Had I not, it might be a different story today… I actually think the leaders of Iran were afraid of Soleimani.”
Without naming al-Muhandis, Trump added: “By the way, a very bad person went with him.”
Al-Zaidi avoided challenging the US president. “At that time, I wasn’t involved in politics,” he said. “Let’s talk about the future.”
The militia described Trump’s comments as “audacious and offensive statements” against “martyred commanders who fought ISIS.” It said the remarks justified retaliation. Al-Muhandis’s family also criticised al-Zaidi’s response.
Iran-Backed Coalition Has Attacked US Interests
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq acts as an umbrella for factions including Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Asaib Ahl al-Haq.
Several factions also operate within Iraq’s state-supported Popular Mobilisation Forces. Washington says Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps provides allied groups with financing, training, weapons and logistical support.
Read More: US Sanctions Iran’s Financial Network After Strait of Hormuz Attacks
The United States has blamed coalition factions for drone, rocket and missile attacks against American troops, diplomatic sites and regional allies. Iraqi authorities have pledged to bring weapons under state control, while powerful militias resist disarmament.
The group offered no proof that it could carry out an attack inside the United States. However, its declaration adds a personal threat to an already dangerous regional confrontation.
Threat Follows Earlier Assassination Plots
Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A gunman wounded Trump, killed one spectator and injured two others before a Secret Service sniper killed him.
Authorities later arrested a suspect near Trump’s Florida golf course after agents detected another alleged assassination attempt.
US prosecutors have accused Iran-linked individuals of plotting attacks against Trump and other American officials in retaliation for Soleimani’s killing. Iran has denied involvement.
The bounty claim comes amid intensified US pressure on Iran and its allied militias. It also follows anti-US displays during Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral, where demonstrators called for revenge against Trump.
No credible evidence has emerged that the $10 million fund exists. The statement nonetheless shows how Soleimani’s killing remains a central grievance for Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.
