New Delhi : The United States has launched a major intelligence-gathering initiative targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, announcing rewards of up to $20 million for information that could help uncover Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, key personnel and sensitive operations. The offer also includes the possibility of relocation for individuals providing credible and actionable intelligence.

The initiative, promoted through the US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice programme and amplified by US Central Command (CENTCOM), seeks information about Iran’s nuclear facilities, specialised equipment, scientists, technical experts and networks involved in transporting nuclear-related materials.

The move comes amid growing international concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, transparency and cooperation with global nuclear watchdogs.

Iran’s 60% Uranium Enrichment Raises Alarm

A major concern highlighted in the US campaign is Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 60% purity. This is significantly higher than levels generally required for civilian nuclear energy and places the country much closer to the approximately 90% enrichment level associated with weapons-grade uranium.

Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state known to have enriched uranium to this level.

Washington has also raised concerns about the size of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, warning that further processing could potentially produce enough fissile material for multiple nuclear weapons.

Another major concern involves gaps in international monitoring. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has faced difficulties maintaining a complete picture of Iran’s nuclear activities, including the production, storage and location of critical centrifuge components.

Previous US Rewards and Growing Pressure on Tehran

The latest $20 million initiative follows earlier American efforts to target Iran’s military and financial networks.

In 2019, Washington offered rewards of up to $15 million for information disrupting financial networks supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Qods Force.

In 2024, the US announced a reward of up to $20 million for information leading to the arrest of IRGC operative Shahram Poursafi, who was accused of involvement in an alleged plot targeting former US officials.

Nuclear Sites Under Scrutiny After Military Strikes

The intelligence campaign also comes against the backdrop of military strikes targeting Iran’s major nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

Although the strikes reportedly damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted parts of Iran’s nuclear programme, questions remain over the location and condition of enriched uranium stockpiles.

International inspectors have yet to establish a fully verified account of all the sensitive nuclear material.

With the latest reward announcement, Washington appears determined to expand its intelligence network inside Iran and obtain information that could shed light on the country’s nuclear capabilities, personnel and future intentions.