Iran says forces ‘stronger’ than at beginning of war
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…
Iran's military boasts of having grown stronger since the outbreak of its conflict with the United States, offering a $20 million bounty for intel on Tehran's nuclear program, state news reported Saturday. Mediators work to avert renewed hostilities after months of stalemate in the Middle East fracas that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
Tehran aims to curb activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route, and its armed forces spokesman Mohammad Akraminia emphasized Iran's control over the waterway, which it vowed would remain closed until Washington met its demands. He added that Iran's forces have become more assertive and self-assured, noting their heightened awareness and readiness after battling the U.S. and Israeli regime.
"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," Akraminia stated. "They now possess greater motivation, commitment, and self-confidence." The U.S. military announced a $20 million reward, along with possible relocation, for information about Iran's nuclear program, which was launched in 1984 under the State Department's national security rewards initiative.
The State Department cited Iran's failure to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards as the reason for the bounty. President Donald Trump asserted that U.S. forces had effectively dismantled Iran's nuclear program, claiming that if not for the strikes, Israel would not exist today. He added that Iran might be willing to end the war, given the economic and military damage inflicted on the country over the past eight months.
Trump also discussed the conflict with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed his administration's continued effort to resolve the crisis through dialogue. Earlier, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported two missile strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with no official word on damage.
Iranian state TV announced two explosions on the island, and the Iranian army claimed its air defenses had destroyed a U.S. drone in the area.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Iran says forces 'stronger' than at beginning of war al-monitor.com
