US offers $20m reward for information about Iran's nuclear programme

What the report says

The US has announced a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, according to BBC World News. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme is also offering possible relocation for a person who provides useful details. The announcement comes amid continued US pressure on Iran and follows earlier claims by President Donald Trump that Iranian nuclear facilities had been destroyed in US and Israeli strikes; Iran rejects that and says its programme is peaceful.

BBC World News reported that the reward applies to information on Iran’s nuclear facilities, equipment and associated personnel. The US statement also said Iran’s failure to comply fully with International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards has reduced the agency’s ability to track key nuclear components, including centrifuges. Those machines are used to enrich uranium, which can have civilian uses but can also be further enriched for weapons-related purposes.

The report also noted wider US efforts to restrict weapons and sanctioned material moving across Iran’s borders. The US military’s Central Command said a new task force, called Iron Gate, will operate from Tampa, Florida, and coordinate with other agencies. Separately, BBC World News said Donald Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of renewed strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, adding to speculation about how Washington may handle the confrontation going forward.