Iran says forces ‘stronger’ than at beginning of war

Iran said yesterday that its military has grown “stronger” since the outset of its war with the US, which has offered a US$20 million reward for information about Tehran’s nuclear program.

Mediators have been working to prevent any resumption of fighting after months of deadlock in the Middle East conflict, which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

Tehran has sought to limit traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.

People attend an anti-US gathering in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday.

Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran retained control over the strategic waterway and that it would remain closed until its demands were met by the US.

“Today, the Islamic Republic’s armed forces ... having gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and the Israeli regime, are on higher alert and are stronger than they were at the beginning of the war,” he said. “They now possess greater motivation, commitment, and self-confidence.”

“Under the order of the Supreme Leader, the response of the armed forces will be immediate, effective, and without geographical limitations,” he added.

On Friday, the US military said it was offering a US$20 million reward “and possible relocation” for information about Iran’s nuclear program.

Rewards for Justice, a US Department of State program, was seeking information on topics including “facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, such as those in the scientific community,” US Central Command said on X.

The program was established in 1984 under the US Department of State’s national security rewards program to offer money for information that protects US lives and interests.

In a statement about the reward, the Department of State said that Iran’s “lack of compliance with the [International Atomic Energy Agency] on safeguards obligations has led to the agency’s loss of ‘continuity of knowledge’ regarding Iran’s production and inventory of key components like centrifuges.”

It did not specify what type of information would warrant the US$20 million reward.