US offers $20m reward for information on Iran’s nuclear programme
The United States has offered a reward of up to $20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, as President Donald Trump claimed Tehran was seeking a deal to end the eight-month conflict.
The US Central Command announced the offer on Friday, saying the State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme was seeking intelligence on Iran’s nuclear facilities, equipment and personnel, including scientists involved in the programme.
The command said the programme “is offering a reward of up to $20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran’s nuclear program, including its facilities, equipment, and associated personnel”.
The State Department expressed concern over Iran’s alleged failure to comply with safeguards obligations imposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), saying the agency had lost its ability to maintain continuous oversight of key nuclear materials and equipment, including centrifuges.
However, Washington did not specify the type of information required to qualify for the maximum reward.
Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that US military strikes effectively destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities, defended the operations during remarks in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday.
“If we didn’t hit Iran, you wouldn’t have Israel today,” Trump said. “If they had nuclear, they would have used nuclear. They would have obliterated the Middle East.”
Despite his assertions about the damage inflicted on Iran’s military and economy, Trump suggested that diplomatic negotiations were continuing.
“We’re dealing with them now. They want to make a deal very badly,” he said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had earlier indicated that Tehran remained committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue.
International mediators have intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
Earlier in the week, Trump also suggested that additional military targets remained under consideration, including the suspected nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran.
Iran has denied that the site is being used for nuclear activities.
The Rewards for Justice programme, established in 1984, provides financial incentives for information considered vital to protecting US national security interests.
The latest offer comes amid continuing uncertainty over the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and prospects for a negotiated settlement.