US offers $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear programme

The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran's nuclear programme, along with the possibility of relocation for eligible sources. The offer was made through the State Department's Rewards for Justice programme and was publicised on Thursday. It covers information on Iran's nuclear facilities, equipment and associated personnel, including members of the scientific community.

US Central Command said the programme was offering the reward and relocation option in connection with Iran's nuclear file. The State Department said Iran's lack of compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards obligations had led to a loss of continuity of knowledge about key components, including centrifuges. Officials did not specify what level or type of information would qualify for the full payment.

The announcement adds a new public pressure tool to Washington's long-running effort to gather intelligence on Iran's nuclear activities. Rewards for Justice was established in 1984 as part of the State Department's national security rewards programme and has been used to seek information that protects American lives and interests. The latest offer comes against the backdrop of continuing disputes over Iran's nuclear programme and international monitoring of its activities.

The move also comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said US strikes had effectively destroyed Iran's nuclear programme. He said in Florida that Iran wanted to end the conflict and that its economy and military had been severely damaged over eight months of war. He also said he still had to deal with one or two targets, including Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran, which Tehran denies is a nuclear facility.

Diplomatic efforts by mediators have been continuing in an attempt to prevent any renewed fighting. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said earlier this week that his government was still trying to resolve the crisis through dialogue. The reward announcement may increase pressure on Tehran at a sensitive moment, but it does not by itself change the status of negotiations or inspections.

What remains unclear is how the reward would be applied in practice and whether it will produce any new information on Iran's programme. The State Department has not set out specific parameters for the offer, and no timeline was given for any related disclosures. The development is likely to keep attention on Iran's nuclear activities, the role of international monitoring and the prospects for further diplomatic engagement.

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