What is Iran’s proposed $58 million bounty bill?

Iranian lawmakers are reviewing a bill that would allocate €50 million ($58 million) to anyone who kills Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu or CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper. The proposal is being framed as retaliation for the February strikes that killed former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Has Iran officially approved the Trump bounty proposal yet?

No. The bill is still under committee review in Iran’s parliament and would also need approval from the Guardian Council before becoming law. At this stage, it remains a proposed measure rather than official state policy.

Why are crypto and stablecoins being discussed in relation to this bill?

Iran faces heavy international sanctions, which limit access to traditional dollar-based payment systems. Analysts noted that Iran has previously used alternative financial channels, including stablecoins and digital assets, for sanctioned trade, raising questions about whether crypto rails could theoretically be used for any future payout.

Is there evidence Iran plans to use crypto for bounty payments?

No direct evidence has been presented in the bill itself. The article only notes that Iran has a history of using alternative settlement methods under sanctions, so any crypto-related payment discussion remains speculative.

Why do analysts think the proposal may be symbolic?

Daniel Cohen said the proposal appears closer to political signalling and psychological operations than operational planning. Analysts believe the rhetoric may be designed to project strength after recent strikes weakened parts of Iran’s leadership structure.

What is the “Blood Covenant” group mentioned in the report?

The “Blood Covenant” group is an organisation that researchers say previously pledged more than $40 million in bounties linked to Trump after US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The report said the exact funding structure and payment mechanics behind those pledges remain unclear.

Why does this matter for geopolitical risk and markets?

Escalating rhetoric between Iran, the US and Israel can increase geopolitical uncertainty, especially around energy markets, defence spending and regional stability in the Middle East. Investors often monitor these developments because tensions can affect oil prices, safe-haven assets and broader market sentiment.

Could this proposal impact crypto regulation globally?

Potentially. If governments increasingly associate crypto rails with sanctions evasion or politically sensitive transfers, regulators could push for tighter stablecoin oversight, transaction monitoring and anti-money laundering enforcement.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Iran reviews $58M Trump bounty proposal

Written by Liezl GambePublished May 20, 2026, 12:21 AM

Iran’s parliament is reviewing legislation that would require the state to pay €50 million ($58 million) to anyone who kills US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or US Central Command leader Admiral Brad Cooper.

Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi announced the proposal on state television, describing it as retaliation for the February 28 strikes that killed former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“Just as our Imam was martyred, the president of the United States must be dealt with by any Muslim or free person,”

Azizi said, according to reports cited by the Jerusalem Post.

The proposed legislation, titled “Reciprocal action by military and security forces of the Islamic Republic,” has not yet cleared committee review and would still require approval from Iran’s Guardian Council before becoming law.

Questions have also emerged over how any state-backed payment could be delivered under heavy international sanctions, with analysts noting Iran has previously relied on alternative settlement channels, including stablecoins and other digital assets, for cross-border trade.

Research groups cited by Iran International said the “Blood Covenant” organisation previously pledged more than $40 million in bounties tied to Trump after US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, although the funding structure behind those efforts remains unclear.

Daniel Cohen told the Jerusalem Post the proposal appeared more consistent with political signalling and psychological operations than operational planning, while warning that public state-backed rhetoric could still encourage lone actors despite uncertainty over whether the bill will advance.