The United States of America has announced a reward of up to 20 million dollars for information on Iran’s nuclear programme. The announcement was made on 6 November 2026 by the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme. The US authorities are seeking information on nuclear facilities, equipment, scientists and the movement of materials or personnel. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also reported on the initiative.
The US authorities do not rule out the possibility of providing relocation assistance to individuals who provide valuable information. However, the maximum reward amount is not a guaranteed payment for any tip-off.
What information is the US prepared to pay $20 million for?
On the official Rewards for Justice website, the US authorities have identified several areas of particular interest.
This concerns the location and activities Iranian nuclear facilities, equipment related to uranium enrichment, as well as individuals involved in the relevant research. The US is particularly interested in the movement of equipment and personnel.
The programme provides for the possibility of financial reward and relocation for informants. However, the State Department has not published the detailed criteria on which the specific amount of the payment will be based.
Rewards for Justice has been operating since 1984 under the auspices of the US State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. It is used to obtain information vital to US national security, particularly regarding terrorism and other threats.
Why is the US seeking information about Iran’s nuclear programme?
In the official announcement Washington refers to estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for 2025.
According to the agency, Iran had been stockpiling uranium enriched to 60 per cent. Uranium with an enrichment level of around 90 per cent is usually used to produce nuclear weapons.
At the same time, the mere presence of highly enriched uranium does not in itself prove that a nuclear weapon has been developed. This requires additional technological processes and the appropriate weaponry.
The IAEA has also reported that it has lost the ability to continuously verify the production and accounting of key components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, in particular centrifuges. Due to the limited access granted to inspectors, the agency is unable to fully verify the current status of certain elements of the programme.
Trump claimed that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been destroyed
The State Department’s latest announcement came against the backdrop of statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the results of American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US military has destroyed a key part of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. At the same time, Washington continues to gather information on the facilities, equipment and personnel involved in Iran’s programme.
On 7 November, the Associated Press reported on new, limited US strikes against Iranian air defence systems. Meanwhile, Qatar is continuing its mediation efforts aimed at resuming talks between Washington and Tehran.
The Iranian authorities say they are seeking a diplomatic solution, but insist that their conditions be met, particularly regarding sanctions and the cessation of hostilities.
As of 8 November, the offer of a reward of up to $20 million remains posted on the official Rewards for Justice website. The State Department has not disclosed whether it has received any information meeting the programme’s criteria, or whether any payments have been made.
