Iran claims military has become more powerful and pledges decisive response

Iran said Saturday its military has grown “stronger” since the outset of its war with the United States, which has offered a $20 million reward for information about Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Mediators have been working to prevent any resumption of fighting after months of deadlock in the Middle East conflict, which began when the United States 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.

I 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 United States.

He also said Iran’s forces had grown stronger and more confident, state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.

“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.

Reward Offered

On Friday, the US military said it was offering a $20 million reward “and possible relocation” for information about Iran’s nuclear programme. The Rewards for Justice initiative, a State Department programme, is seeking details on facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, such as members of the scientific community.

Established in 1984, the programme offers money for information that protects American lives and interests. The State Department stated that Iran’s lack of compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards has caused a loss of continuity of knowledge regarding key components like centrifuges, though it did not specify the type of information that would make the $20 million reward eligible.

US President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that American forces have effectively obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme. “If we didn’t hit Iran, you wouldn’t have Israel today,” Trump said Friday night. “If they had nuclear, they would have used nuclear. They would have obliterated the Middle East.”

Dialogue

Trump also said Iran—whose economy and military have been severely damaged over eight months of war—is eager to end the conflict. “We’re dealing with them now. They want to make a deal very badly,” he said.

He called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday to discuss efforts to end the war. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said this week that his government is still trying to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

Early Saturday, two missiles struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz; Iranian state media reported the impacts, while the Iranian army said its air defences destroyed a US drone over the island.

Source link