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

The United States is offering rewards of up to $20 million, along with possible relocation, for information about Iran's nuclear programme, including its facilities, equipment and personnel.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the offer on Friday under the State Department's Rewards for Justice programme. The initiative is seeking information about Iran's nuclear activities, including individuals in its scientific community.

Established in 1984, the programme offers financial incentives for information that could protect American lives and national security interests.

The State Department said Iran's failure to comply with safeguards obligations under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had resulted in the agency losing its "continuity of knowledge" about Iran's production and inventory of key components, including centrifuges.

However, the department did not specify the criteria for receiving the maximum $20 million reward.

The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump continues to defend Washington's military campaign against Iran. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, Trump claimed that US strikes had prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"If we didn't hit Iran, you wouldn't have Israel today," Trump said.

Trump has repeatedly said that US forces have destroyed Iran's nuclear programme.

However, earlier this week, he said Washington still had to "take care" of one or two targets, including Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran. The US suspects the site could house a nuclear facility. Tehran has denied the claim.

Despite the military campaign, Trump said Iran was keen to negotiate an agreement.