Middle EastLiveUS offers up to $10 million for information on senior IRGC figures

In practice, the United States is due to unveil sweeping sanctions on Iran, escalating an economic confrontation that has continued alongside months of military conflict.

Key points

• The US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2019.
• US forces have redirected 71 commercial vessels as part of efforts to enforce the naval blockade against Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) remarked on Monday.
• The call took place ahead of Munir's visit to Tehran, Reuters documented earlier on Monday, citing three Pakistani sources.
• The incident took place around 9 nautical miles northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman.
• US Iran War: Trump spoke with Pakistan's army chief against the backdrop of Iran tensions.

04: 28 (IST) Aug 25. Oil tanker disabled after projectile strike off Oman: UKMTO.

Notably, an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman on Monday, damaging its engine room and leaving the vessel disabled, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) remarked.

Meanwhile, the incident took place around 9 nautical miles northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman.

While the extent of any environmental impact was not immediately known, the vessel's crew were documented to be safe after the strike. 03: 13 (IST) Aug 25. Saudi Arabia, France urge Iran to resume full IAEA cooperation.

Saudi Arabia and France have pressed a negotiated solution to tensions involving Iran and called on Tehran to resume full cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In a joint statement issued Monday after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Paris, the two countries remarked diplomacy should ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme and assist prevent further escalation in the region. 02: 26 (IST) Aug 25. US redirects 71 vessels under Iran blockade, CENTCOM notes.

In a post on X, CENTCOM remarked three vessels had been disabled and two others boarded as part of the ongoing enforcement operations.

Notably, the US military command continued that more than 40 vessels carrying humanitarian aid had been allowed to pass through despite the blockade. 01: 49 (IST) Aug 25.

US offers up to $10 million for information on senior IRGC figures.

Meanwhile, the US State Department's Rewards for Justice programme on Monday confirmed rewards of up to $10 million for information on five senior figures of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with feasible relocation for those providing information.

Meanwhile, the programme named Ahmad Vahidi, commander of the IRGC; Ali Abdollahi, chief of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters; Saeed Aghajani, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force's drone unit; Hamidreza Lashgarian, chief of the IRGC Cyber-Electronic Command; and Majid Khademi, commander of the IRGC Intelligence Office.

Rewards for Justice remarked the five individuals lead various IRGC units involved in activities that Washington has accused of supporting terrorism and targeting US interests.

Meanwhile, the US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2019. The latest reward offer comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and an intensifying US campaign targeting Iran's military and economic networks. 01: 21 (IST) Aug 25.

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, last week against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, CNN noted on Monday, citing a source familiar with the conversation.

Meanwhile, the call took place ahead of Munir's visit to Tehran, Reuters documented earlier on Monday, citing three Pakistani sources.

According to one of the sources, Trump's main request was for Pakistan to employ its influence with Iran to encourage Tehran to return to negotiations.

Munir's engagement with Iranian authorities comes as the United States continues to intensify pressure on Tehran and seeks to revive diplomatic efforts against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region.

Details of the conversation between Trump and Munir have not been publicly disclosed. 00: 37 (IST) Aug 25.

'Fully prepared for US sanctions, they cannot cut off Iran's financial arteries': Minister.

Iran is fully prepared to face fresh US sanctions and Washington will not be able to sever the country's financial lifelines, Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh remarked, according to state television.

"We are fully prepared for the US sanctions; they cannot cut off our financial arteries, " Madanizadeh remarked.

His remarks came as Washington stepped up economic pressure on Tehran and threatened sanctions against foreign entities maintaining business ties with Iran. The US has remarked it is giving such entities an opportunity to end their dealings with Iran before penalties are imposed.

Taken together, the developments around middle EastLiveUS offers up to $10 million for information on senior IRGC point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.