Image source: Getty Images
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, at a time when President Donald Trump reaffirmed that Tehran desperately wants to conclude a deal to end the war.
The US Central Command (Centcom) stated in a statement published on the X platform that the US State Department’s “Rewards for Justice” program “is offering a reward of up to $20 million, with the possibility of repatriation, in exchange for information about the Iranian nuclear program, including its facilities, equipment, and individuals associated with it, such as those working in the scientific community.”
The 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 non-compliance with the safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency” led to the agency being deprived of information related to Iran’s production and stock of key components, such as centrifuges.
The State Department did not specify precise criteria regarding the type of information that might lead to obtaining the $20 million.
Trump has previously stated on numerous occasions that American forces were able to destroy the Iranian nuclear program.
On Friday evening, he said in West Palm Beach, Florida: “If we had not struck Iran, Israel would not exist today,” noting that “if they had possessed nuclear weapons, they would have used them, and they would have completely wiped out the Middle East.”
But the Republican president also confirmed that Iran, whose economy and army were exhausted during eight months of war, seeks to end the conflict.
Most read end
He added: "We are dealing with them now. They are very keen to conclude an agreement."
The Iranian army confirms that it is “stronger and more prepared”
An in-depth explanation of the most prominent events and topics, to help you understand the most important variables around you and their impact on your life
Episodes
End podcast
The Iranian army confirmed that it has become "stronger" and more prepared than it was when the United States and Israel began the war against it, media reported on Saturday.
The Islamic Republic News Agency "IRNA" quoted army spokesman Mohammad Akrami Nia as saying 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."
He added: "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."
The war, which broke out when the United States and Israel launched a massive wave of strikes against Iran in late February, has been in a state of stalemate for months.
Tehran sought to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil consumption passed.
Akraminia pointed out that the Iranian armed forces control the Strait of Hormuz, and the strategic corridor will not be opened until the United States accepts Tehran’s conditions.
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.”
US President Donald Trump confirmed launching new strikes on Iran this week, after American media revealed that raids targeted the Iranian island of Qeshm.
The 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 reported that two explosions occurred 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.
The army did not clarify whether the island had been attacked.
Qatar: Mediation efforts are continuing to prevent escalation
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said on Saturday that Qatar's mediation efforts between the United States and Iran are continuing to prevent the situation in the region from getting out of control.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said: “The American administration’s intentions to find a solution are still present even after the midterm elections,” indicating that Washington’s interest in reaching an agreement has not changed.
He added that great progress had been made, and expressed his confidence in the possibility of reaching a settlement.
He said: “We cannot wait to reach a perfect agreement, and we hope that we will reach a good agreement.”
Countries in the region had expected that US President Donald Trump, who refrained from launching strikes on Iran during the weeks leading up to the midterm elections that took place on Tuesday, might resume attacks as soon as the voting process ended. Iran has repeatedly announced that it will respond to any new attacks by striking American and Israeli targets in neighboring countries.
Since September, Iran has been proposing its own seven-day plan, which Trump has so far rejected. The plan calls for Washington to lift the blockade on Iranian ports, unfreeze assets, and agree to an Iranian-backed route through the Strait of Hormuz, after which the disputed waterway will be reopened.
Find out more
Short clips
End of short clips
