What happened
The US State Department's Rewards for Justice programme has announced a reward of up to $20 million for information concerning Iran's nuclear programme, including details about facilities, equipment, and associated personnel. The department said it may also relocate anyone who provides qualifying information.
The State Department cited Iran's lack of compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards obligations, saying the agency has lost continuity of knowledge regarding Iran's production and inventory of key components such as centrifuges. Centrifuges can produce enriched uranium for civilian reactor fuel or, at higher purity levels, for nuclear weapons.
Separately, US Central Command said it is establishing Task Force Iron Gate, based in Tampa, Florida, to strengthen efforts to block Iran's movement of weapons and sanctioned material across its borders. The task force will also target dual-use items and illegal revenue streams, working with other US government agencies.
Centcom estimated that a naval blockade of Iran's ports has prevented more than $25 billion in crude oil exports. The announcement follows President Donald Trump's repeated threats to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, including the suspected underground site known as Pickaxe Mountain, though he recently said he was in no rush to resume significant strikes.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful and that it has no intention of developing a nuclear weapon. Qatar's foreign ministry said both sides were reviewing proposals presented by mediators and remained hopeful of a deal.
