TEHRAN: Iranian lawmakers have tabled a controversial draft bill that offers a €50 million reward to anyone who assassinates US President Donald Trump. The proposal comes amid heightened tensions following recent strikes that killed senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Retaliation drives new legislation
Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, confirmed that members prepared several proposals in response to regional developments. He described the bounty measure as a justified reciprocal action. Azizi made it clear that if any person or group carries out the act, the Iranian government would be obligated to pay the huge sum.
Moreover, the draft remains under discussion and has not yet become law. Lawmakers framed the move as retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani in 2020 and the more recent operation that eliminated top Iranian commanders. Iranian state media reported the development, which quickly drew international attention.
Proposal sparks global concern
The bill also targets other figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Officials in Tehran view these steps as part of a broader strategy to deter further aggression against their country. However, analysts question whether Iran could actually afford such a massive payout given its current economic challenges.
This latest proposal escalates long-standing hostility between Iran and the United States. Trump has faced multiple threats since ordering the 2020 strike on Soleimani. US authorities previously charged Iran-linked individuals with plotting attacks against him.
The international community now watches closely to see whether Iranian parliament will approve the measure. Many diplomats fear that such public calls could inspire lone actors or further destabilise an already volatile region.
