The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million for any information about Iran's nuclear program.
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The US Central Command said in a post on the X platform that the initiative comes as part of the US State Department’s “Rewards for Justice” program, which aims to gather information on activities related to the Iranian nuclear program.
In a statement regarding the reward, the U.S. State Department indicated that Iran's "non-compliance" with its safeguards obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had resulted in the agency losing continuity of knowledge about Iran's production and stockpiles of key components, including centrifuges. The department did not specify the nature of the information that would qualify for the reward.
In contrast, Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akramnia asserted that the Iranian armed forces are now stronger and better prepared than they were at the start of the war with the United States and Israel, noting that they have gained experience from direct confrontation with both sides.
The official Iranian news agency IRNA quoted Akramnia as saying that the Iranian armed forces are now in a higher state of readiness, motivation, commitment and self-confidence, adding that the Iranian response, on the orders of the Supreme Leader, will be immediate, effective and without geographical restrictions.
The Iranian military spokesman also stated that his country still controls the Strait of Hormuz and that it will remain closed until the United States meets Iranian demands. The strait is a strategic waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil consumption typically passes.
These developments come as diplomatic efforts led by mediators continue to prevent a resumption of fighting, following months of stalemate in the conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, followed by Iranian strikes.
US President Donald Trump reiterated that US forces had almost completely destroyed Iran's nuclear program, and said that Iran desperately wanted to end the conflict and reach an agreement, noting that its economy and military capabilities had suffered significant damage during the war.
In the context of diplomatic efforts, Trump made a phone call to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss efforts to end the war.
For his part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said earlier in the week that his government was still seeking a solution to the crisis through dialogue.
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Trump reveals targets of recent strikes on Iran and hints at an "occupying force"
US President Donald Trump revealed limited US strikes targeting Iranian air defense systems, asserting that they were destroyed within minutes, and hinted at the possibility of an "occupying force".
The US president said that the US military carried out new limited strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting its air defense systems, explaining that the operation ended very quickly and took only a few minutes.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump added that Iran had set up a small anti-aircraft defense system, but that US forces were able to completely destroy it in about 15 minutes, and perhaps in as little as 5 minutes.
In contrast, Iranian state media reported hearing two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil shipments.
Trump did not disclose further details about the target, but US officials stated that most of Iran's air defense systems were severely damaged or destroyed during the Israeli airstrikes in June 2025 and in the early stages of the current conflict. They also suggested that Iran would likely rebuild these systems and other military infrastructure over time.
Friday's strikes came days after the Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections . In the period following that result, Trump's statements have oscillated between threatening to destroy Iran and suggesting the possibility of a settlement to end the war.
Earlier on Friday, two Middle Eastern government officials said that Iran was considering proposals put forward by Qatar, which is acting as a mediator, to narrow the gap in its dispute with the United States over its nuclear program.
