The US is offering rewards of up to $20 million for information on Iran’s nuclear program and has established a new task force to restrict the movement of Iranian weapons and sanctioned goods. The measures come amid an ongoing US-Iran conflict and a naval blockade that Washington says has prevented more than $25 billion in Iranian crude exports, keeping energy trade and regional shipping under pressure.
Reward covers nuclear facilities, equipment and personnel
The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is seeking information about facilities, equipment and people linked to Iran’s nuclear program. The department said Iran had not met its nuclear safeguards obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), leaving the agency unable to maintain a continuous picture of the production and stockpiles of some key components, including centrifuges.
Centrifuges are used to produce enriched uranium. Enriched uranium can fuel civilian reactors, while material enriched to about 90% or higher can be used to make nuclear weapons. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and says it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.
The State Department said it may help people who provide information relocate.
US says blockade has halted $25 billion in crude exports
US Central Command said the newly formed Iron Gate task force will operate from Tampa, Florida, in coordination with other US government agencies. Its focus will include restricting cross-border flows of weapons and sanctioned goods, as well as disrupting the associated sources of illicit revenue.
The command estimates that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports has prevented more than $25 billion worth of crude oil exports. The figure underscores the blockade’s direct effect on Iran’s energy revenues and regional oil trade, alongside its security and sanctions-enforcement role. The US statement did not detail how the estimate was calculated.
Strait of Hormuz arrangements remain uncertain
Speculation has recently mounted over whether the United States might launch another large-scale attack on Iran. Washington has said Iranian nuclear facilities were severely damaged in US and Israeli bombing operations. Comments about Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility have also focused attention on the possibility of further military action, though US leaders have said they are in no hurry to act.
The eight-month conflict between the two countries, and damage to economic and military infrastructure, form part of the backdrop to negotiations. The United States says the sides are in contact and that Iran wants an agreement. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson has said proposals are under review and expressed hope for a deal.
Iranian negotiators have discussed a proposal through mediators under which Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the United States met seven conditions set by Iran. The two sides reached an initial arrangement in June to end the war and reopen the strait, but it collapsed weeks later after Iran again attacked shipping and the United States reinstated its blockade. The reward offer, task force deployment and blockade remain in place, with no new confirmed arrangement for reopening the strait or restoring Iranian crude exports.