$20 Million: The Unusual Step of the US Against Iran's Nuclear Program

The Trump administration announced a reward of up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear program. Concurrently, a new military task force was established to limit the movement of Iranian weapons. Trump said Tehran wants to make a deal "desperately."

The United States announced a reward of up to $20 million for information leading to the disruption of Iran's nuclear program. The US State Department, through its "Rewards for Justice" program, also offers the possibility of relocating the informant to a safe location. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the establishment of a new military task force, "Iron Gate," aimed at intensifying efforts to limit the movement of Iranian weapons and prohibited materials across its borders. The force will operate from Florida and cooperate with additional government agencies. The State Department stated that the step was taken due to "Iran's lack of compliance with its obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)." US President Donald Trump said that economic and military pressure is working and that Tehran is very interested in an agreement: "They want to make a deal desperately." Against this backdrop, sources in the Republican Party linked midterm election losses to public opposition to war with Iran. Qatar continues its mediation efforts between the parties.