TEHRAN (AFP) - The Iranian army said Saturday that it was "stronger" than it was when the United States and Israel began the war against the Islamic Republic, while Washington offered a $20 million reward for information on Tehran's nuclear program.

Published on: 07/11/2026 - 07:45

Diplomatic efforts are underway in recent days to prevent renewed military operations after the United States threatened to launch large-scale strikes on Iran, despite Trump indicating progress in negotiations to end the war that broke out in February with the first US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Army spokesman Mohammad Akrami Nia said that Iranian forces “are on high alert, and are stronger than they were at the beginning of the war, thanks to their experience in direct confrontation with America and the Zionist entity,” according to what was reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency, “IRNA.”

He continued, "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic have benefited from valuable military lessons learned from the direct confrontation with America, and have gained greater motivation, commitment, and self-confidence."

He said, "Based on the directives of the Leader of the Revolution, the response of the armed forces will be immediate, effective, and without geographical restrictions, and this directive is the basis of the work of the armed forces."

Akrami Nia also pointed out that the Iranian armed forces control the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the strategic corridor will not be opened until America accepts Tehran’s conditions.

Since the outbreak of the war, Tehran has been seeking to restrict shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil consumption passed.

Offer a financial reward

On Friday, Washington announced that it would offer a reward of $20 million, with the possibility of providing alternative accommodation, in exchange for information about the Iranian nuclear program.

The US Central Command (Centcom) stated in a statement published on the

The "Rewards for Justice" program was established in 1984 with the aim of providing sums of money in exchange for information that helps protect the lives and interests of Americans.

The US State Department stated in its statement regarding the reward that “Iran’s failure to comply with the safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency led to the agency being denied access to information related to Iran’s production and stock of key components, such as centrifuges.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not specify precise criteria regarding the type of information required for the reward.

US President Donald Trump has previously stated on numerous occasions that US forces were able to destroy the Iranian nuclear program.

On Friday evening, Trump said in West Palm Beach, Florida, “If we had not struck Iran, Israel would not exist today.”

He pointed out, "If they had possessed nuclear weapons, they would have used them, and they would have completely wiped out the Middle East."

a dialogue

But the Republican president also confirmed that Iran, whose economy and army were exhausted during eight months of war, seeks to end the conflict.

"We are dealing with them now. They are very keen to conclude an agreement," he added.

On Friday, the US President made a phone call to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whose country is participating in the mediation with Iran, to discuss efforts made to end the war in the Middle East.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed this week that “no one will benefit from this war,” pointing to working on a solution “through dialogue.”

Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday that two missiles hit Qeshm Island, adding that there is still no official information about the extent of the damage.

Iranian state television also reported two explosions on the island.

Early Saturday, the Iranian army announced that its air defenses “hit and destroyed” an American drone flying over Qeshm, according to what was reported by official media.

© 2026 AFP

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