US offers $20m bounty on Iran nuclear intel as new task force launches
The State Department linked the reward to Iran's IAEA compliance gaps, while Central Command announced a naval unit to block sanctions evasion.
By Mariam Saleh ·
The United States announced a reward of up to $20 million for information regarding Iran's nuclear program. The offer includes a potential relocation option for the informant. This financial incentive is part of the State Department's Rewards for Justice initiative.
A State Department statement said Iran's failure to meet International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards caused a loss of continuity in knowledge about Tehran's inventory. The agency cited gaps in tracking the production and stock of key components like nuclear centrifuges. Centrifuges produce enriched uranium, a substance that serves as reactor fuel or becomes weapon-grade at 90% purity.
The US military simultaneously announced a new unit to restrict the movement of weapons and sanctioned materials across Iran's borders. Task Force Iron Gate will operate from Tampa, Florida, and coordinate with other federal agencies. The group will monitor weapons transfers, dual-use goods, and illegal revenue streams. US Central Command said its naval blockade has already stopped Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil.
President Donald Trump previously claimed that US and Israeli bombing campaigns completely obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities last year. However, he recently told Fox News that the US might need to strike Pickaxe Mountain, an underground site linked to the nuclear program. He described the potential operation as a minor task that could be completed in one hour.
Speculation is rising that the US may resume strikes following the midterm elections. Trump told reporters before the vote that he was in no rush. Yet he and Vice President JD Vance noted that public opposition to the war contributed to heavy losses for the Republican Party. The White House is now weighing whether to escalate the conflict or seek a diplomatic exit.
On Friday, Trump said Iran wants to end the eight-month conflict with the US. He pointed to damage to Tehran's economy and military as factors driving their desire for a deal. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and that it has no intention of developing a weapon.
Qatar's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that both sides are reviewing presented ideas and proposals. Doha remains hopeful that a deal can be agreed upon. Iranian negotiators discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within two days of the US meeting seven conditions. A preliminary agreement to end the war collapsed in June after Iranian attacks on shipping resumed and the US reinstated its blockade.
