Iran claims military strength has surpassed initial war capabilities amid US tensions

Iran declared on Saturday that its military has become stronger since the onset of its conflict with the United States, offering a $20 million reward for information about Tehran's nuclear program. Efforts to mediate the ongoing standoff in the Middle East have been underway after months of stalemate, sparked by joint American and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Tehran has attempted to control the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies. Iranian military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia insisted that Iran still maintains control over the strategic body of water and that it would remain obstructed until its demands are satisfied by the United States.

During the same day, Akraminia stated that Iran's armed forces have grown more resilient and self-assured following direct engagements with the U.S. and Israeli forces, as reported by the state news agency IRNA. According to Akraminia, today, the Islamic Republic's military forces are more alert and possess heightened motivation, commitment, and confidence.

The Supreme Leader has ordered the armed forces to respond instantaneously, effectively, and without territorial constraints, he added. On Friday, the U.S. military announced a $20 million incentive, alongside potential relocation, for information related to Iran's nuclear program. The Rewards for Justice initiative, operated by the State Department since 1984, seeks details concerning facilities, equipment, and personnel involved in Iran's scientific community.

The program was initiated to compensate for Iran's disregard for safeguards obligations, resulting in the loss of knowledge concerning the country's production and stockpiles of essential components like centrifuges. The State Department did not specify the exact nature of information that would merit the $20 million reward. President Donald Trump recently claimed that U.S. forces had effectively dismantled Iran's nuclear program, asserting that should they not have intervened, Israel would not exist today.

Trump further stated that if Iran possessed nuclear capabilities, they would have utilized them to obliterate the Middle East. The president also mentioned that Iran, which he acknowledged has suffered significant economic and military setbacks during the eight-month war, is eager to reach an agreement. On Friday, Trump conversed with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this sentiment, expressing earlier in the day that his government remains committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue. Early on Saturday, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that two missiles had targeted Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, without providing official information about any damage.

Iranian state television announced two explosions on the island. The Iranian army claimed early Saturday that its air defenses had eliminated a U.S. drone flying over the island, according to state media, though they did not specify whether the island was attacked.