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.
Trump Secures Deal to Quadruple Production of High Tech Weapons
President Donald Trump hosted a high stakes meeting at the White House on Friday. He met with the top leaders of the American defense industry to discuss the future of national security. During this session, six major contractors agreed to a massive expansion of their manufacturing capabilities. They will quadruple the production of what the President calls Exquisite Class Weaponry. This move comes as the United States military continues its large scale operations in the Middle East. The meeting included the chief executives of RTX, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. Leaders from BAE Systems, L3Harris, and Honeywell Aerospace also attended the discussion. President Trump shared the news on social media shortly after the talks concluded. He stated, “We just concluded a very good meeting with the largest U.S. Defense Manufacturing Companies where we discussed Production and Production Schedules. They have agreed to quadruple Production of the ‘Exquisite Class’ Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity.” This aggressive schedule aims to replenish stockpiles and ensure long term readiness for the nation. High Tech Interceptors and Precision Missiles While the term exquisite is unique to the current administration, it refers to advanced and high precision systems. These include the PAC 3 Patriot missiles and THAAD interceptors produced by Lockheed Martin. It also covers the Tomahawk cruise missiles and Standard Missile 6 interceptors manufactured by RTX. These weapons are critical for modern air defense and long range strikes against sophisticated targets. A spokesperson for Lockheed Martin confirmed the company commitment to the new goals. The representative said, “As a result of President Trump’s leadership, we began this work months ago with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg, and are committed to working with our industry partners to further strengthen the American military’s unparalleled capability with the greatest urgency.” RTX also expressed pride in supporting the administration. They are accelerating the production of five key munitions to meet the historic frameworks. Strategic Context and Operation Epic Fury This production surge coincides with Operation Epic Fury. This is the code name for the ongoing military campaign currently taking place in Iran. Analysts have raised concerns about how quickly the military is using its most expensive missiles. In just the first week of the conflict, the United States and Israel struck over 3,000 targets. Despite these concerns, the President remains confident in current supplies. He noted, “We have a virtually unlimited supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela.” He added, “Regardless, however, we have also increased Orders at these levels.” A National Competition for Defense Plants The expansion of the defense industrial base is creating a new economic opportunity for many. President Trump revealed that plants and production lines are already being developed. He mentioned that states across the country are bidding to host these new manufacturing facilities. This competition could lead to thousands of new jobs in the aerospace and defense sectors. The administration plans to ask Congress for an additional 50 billion dollars in funding. This money will support the Department of War in its mission to boost total output. Another meeting between the White House and defense executives is scheduled in two months to review the progress. The goal remains clear: American manufacturing must move faster than ever before to maintain global dominance.
