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

The United States has announced a large financial reward for information on Iran's nuclear programme. Central Command, the US military headquarters for the region, made the announcement on Friday. Anyone providing key information on sites, equipment or personnel linked to Iran's nuclear programme will be given a reward of up to $20 million.

The US has also assured the informant of relocation to a safe place if needed. The announcement is drawing particular attention amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.

The reward scheme is being run under the US State Department's "Rewards for Justice" programme. The US wants information on Iran's nuclear research centres, equipment linked to uranium enrichment, scientists and other personnel connected to the programme.

The reward is not limited to information on locations. Those who report on the activities of such equipment or personnel may also be eligible. Given the informant's safety, arrangements will be made to resettle them in another country where necessary. However, the exact conditions for claiming the top reward of $20 million have not yet been made clear.

The US and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have earlier expressed concern over Iran's nuclear programme. The US has raised the issue that full information is not available on the level of uranium enrichment, the stockpile of nuclear fuel and key equipment such as centrifuges.

According to the US State Department, Iran has not fulfilled its responsibilities under IAEA safeguards. This has made it difficult to monitor key parts of its nuclear programme. The reward appears to be an attempt to obtain more precise information for this reason.

US President Donald Trump has earlier claimed that American military strikes destroyed Iran's nuclear programme on a large scale. The announcement of a $20 million reward for information on the same programme has now intensified discussion internationally.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are also under way to end the conflict between the US and Iran. There are reports of attempts at possible talks between the two countries through Qatar. In this context, the US announcement is being seen as part of a strategy to increase pressure on Iran.