The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran's nuclear programme, including its facilities, equipment, and associated personnel. The offer was made through the State Department's Rewards for Justice programme, which provides financial incentives for information considered vital to protecting US national security interests. The programme is seeking intelligence on Iran's nuclear facilities, equipment, and personnel, including scientists involved in the programme.
The US Central Command announced the offer on Friday, amid ongoing concerns over Iran's alleged failure to comply with safeguards obligations imposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA has expressed concern over Iran's nuclear programme, citing a loss of continuous oversight of key nuclear materials and equipment, including centrifuges. The US offer comes as international mediators intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that US military strikes have effectively destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities. During remarks in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, Trump defended the operations, saying "If we didn't hit Iran, you wouldn't have Israel today." He also suggested that diplomatic negotiations were continuing, stating "We're dealing with them now. They want to make a deal very badly."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated that Tehran remains committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue. The Iranian government has denied that a suspected nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran is being used for nuclear activities. Trump had suggested that additional military targets remained under consideration, including the suspected nuclear facility.
The Rewards for Justice programme, established in 1984, provides financial incentives for information considered vital to protecting US national security interests. The programme has been used to gather intelligence on various threats to US security, including terrorism and nuclear proliferation. The latest offer comes amid continuing uncertainty over the extent of damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure and prospects for a negotiated settlement.
The US offer of up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear programme is part of a broader effort to pressure Tehran to comply with international nuclear safeguards. The offer also includes possible relocation for individuals who provide information. However, Washington did not specify the type of information required to qualify for the maximum reward.
The diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran come as tensions remain high between the two countries. The US and Iran have been engaged in a long-standing dispute over Iran's nuclear programme, with the US imposing economic sanctions on Tehran in an effort to curb its nuclear ambitions. International mediators continue to work towards a negotiated settlement to the crisis.
Key points
- The US has offered up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear programme.
- The offer is part of the State Department's Rewards for Justice programme.
- The programme seeks intelligence on Iran's nuclear facilities, equipment, and personnel.
