Washington has put a price tag of $20 million (€17.9m) — and even the prospect of relocation — on intelligence about Iran’s nuclear programme, a move announced by the US military as President Donald Trump again insisted Tehran is seeking a deal to end the war.
The renewed focus on Iran’s nuclear activity comes as mediators continue working to stop the conflict from flaring up again after months of deadlock in the Middle East war that began when the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February.
At the same time, Tehran has tried to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.
The reward offer surfaced as Iranian state media quoted officials portraying a more hardened and determined military posture than at the start of the conflict.
Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said Iran still controlled the strategic waterway and that it would remain closed until the United States met Iran’s demands.
He also said Iran’s forces had become stronger and more confident, according to the state news agency IRNA.
“Today, the Islamic Republic’s armed forces … having gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and the Israeli regime, are on higher alert and are stronger than they were at the beginning of the war,” he said.
He added: “They now possess greater motivation, commitment and self confidence.
“Under the order of the supreme leader, the response of the armed forces will be immediate, effective and without geographical limitations.
Donald Trump has repeatedly said US forces have effectively obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme
The US has offered up to $20m (€17.9m) and the possibility of relocation for information about Iran’s nuclear programme.
In a post on X, US Central Command said the State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme “is offering a reward of up to $20m and possible relocation for information” tied to Iran’s nuclear programme — covering facilities, equipment and associated personnel, including members of the scientific community.
The programme was established in 1984 under the State Department’s national security rewards programme to offer rewards for information that protects American lives and interests.
Announcing the incentive, the State Department pointed to Iran’s “lack of compliance” with the International Atomic Energy Agency on safeguard obligations, saying it has led “to the agency’s loss of continuity of knowledge regarding Iran’s production and inventory of key components like centrifuges”.
Officials did not specify what kind of details would qualify for the reward.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that US forces have effectively obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme.
“If we didn’t hit Iran, you wouldn’t have Israel today,” Mr Trump said yesterday.
“If they had nuclear, they would have used nuclear. They would have obliterated the Middle East,” he added.
Even so, Mr Trump said Iran is looking for a way out of the conflict, arguing its economy and military have taken heavy blows over eight months of war.
“We’re dealing with them now. They want to make a deal very badly,” he said.
Mr Trump called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday to discuss efforts to end the war.
Diplomatic efforts by mediators have been ongoing in an attempt to prevent any resumption of fighting.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said this week his government was still trying to resolve the crisis through dialogue.
