Tehran (GNP): Iran says its armed forces have grown stronger since the start of its war with the United States, even as Washington announced a $20 million reward for information on Tehran’s nuclear program.
The statement came from Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia. He said the military had gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and Israel, and was now on higher alert, with greater motivation, commitment and self-confidence.
He also warned that, under the order of the Supreme Leader, any response would be immediate, effective and without geographical limitations.
His remarks arrive at a tense moment for the conflict, which began in late February when the United States and Israel attacked Iran. Mediators have since worked to prevent a return to fighting after months of deadlock.
Akraminia said Tehran retains control over the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway will stay closed until the US meets Iran’s demands. The strait normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption, which gives the dispute weight far beyond the region.
Against that backdrop, the US announced its reward offer, which also includes possible relocation for those who provide useful information. It falls under a national security rewards program set up in 1984 at the State Department to protect American lives and interests.
The State Department linked the offer to Iran’s compliance record. It said Iran’s failure to meet its safeguards obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency had cost the agency its “continuity of knowledge” over the production and inventory of key components such as centrifuges. It did not say what kind of information would qualify for the reward.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said US forces effectively obliterated Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday night, he argued that Iran would have used nuclear weapons had it possessed them.
Trump also said Iran, whose economy and military he described as severely damaged over eight months of war, badly wants a deal. He spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday to discuss efforts to end the conflict.
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Tehran has pointed to diplomacy as well. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said this week that his government is still trying to resolve the crisis through dialogue.
Even so, military activity continued. Iranian media reported that two missiles struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday, with no official information on damage, and state television reported two explosions there.
The Iranian army said its air defenses struck and destroyed a US drone flying over the island. It did not say whether the island itself had been attacked.
Akraminia said the armed forces are “stronger than they were at the beginning of the war.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
