US offers Ksh2.59 billion reward for information on Iran’s nuclear programme

The United States has offered a reward of up to Ksh2.59 billion ($20 million) for information related to Iran's nuclear program, including facilities, equipment, and personnel, amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the offer on Friday, November 6, through the State Department's Rewards for Justice programme.

The reward also includes possible relocation for those who provide valuable information leading to US authorities' investigation of the program. The Rewards for Justice programme is seeking information on Iran's nuclear activities, focusing on its facilities, equipment, associated personnel such as scientists, and the movement of these assets.

The program does not specify the criteria for awarding the full $20 million or the process for evaluating individual tips. This offer comes amid concerns over Iran's uranium enrichment activities, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reporting that Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity, a level typically used for civilian power generation but also a step towards weapons-grade uranium, which is around 90% purity.

Iran has enriched uranium to this level, which can be further processed to achieve the weapons-grade purity, though enrichment alone is not definitive evidence of a nuclear weapon's development. Iran's lack of compliance with IAEA safeguards has hindered the agency's ability to monitor Iran's production and inventory of key components, such as centrifuges.

The United States has accused Iran of pursuing nuclear capabilities threatening regional security, while Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. This announcement follows US President Donald Trump's claims that military actions against Iran have significantly weakened its nuclear and military capabilities, arguing that these strikes have prevented a greater threat to Israel and the Middle East.

Trump also mentioned ongoing discussions with Tehran regarding a potential agreement to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated earlier that his government was seeking a resolution through dialogue. Both the nuclear program and the ongoing conflict have become significant political issues in the United States, contributing to the Democratic Party's victory in the November 3 midterm elections, with voters citing the end of the war as a major reason for their support.

Despite these political repercussions, Trump defended his decision to launch military strikes, stating he would repeat the decision. The reward offer provides another avenue for US authorities to gather information about Iran's nuclear infrastructure and those involved in its development. Established in 1984, the Rewards for Justice programme has been utilized to seek information on various security threats, including terrorism and sanctions evasion.