The United States is offering a reward of up to $20 million, alongside possible relocation, for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, including its facilities, equipment, scientists and other personnel involved in the programme.
The announcement was shared by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on X on November 7, directing people with information to the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme.
“Rewards for Justice is offering a reward of up to $20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran’s nuclear program, including its facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, such as those in the scientific community, or the movement of any of the above,” CENTCOM posted.
The reward is being offered through Rewards for Justice, a US State Department programme that provides financial incentives for information related to threats to US national security.
According to the programme’s official announcement, the US is seeking information about the locations of Iranian nuclear facilities, nuclear-related equipment, individuals involved in the programme, particularly members of the scientific community, and the movement of any of these personnel or materials.
The programme also refers to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 2025 reporting that Iran had enriched uranium to 60 per cent purity, a level considerably above the enrichment generally required for civilian nuclear power and relatively close to the approximately 90 per cent level associated with weapons-grade uranium.
The US government says the IAEA has also lost what it describes as “continuity of knowledge” concerning Iran’s production and inventory of important nuclear components, including centrifuges, making it more difficult to establish a complete picture of the country’s nuclear activities.
The programme states that the quantity of uranium enriched to 60 per cent could, if further enriched, provide enough material for several nuclear weapons. This does not establish that Iran has produced nuclear weapons, and Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful.
Announcement comes amid speculation over possible US nuclear strike on Iran
The announcement comes amid growing speculation about a possible renewed US military attack on Iran, including claims that Washington could consider using a nuclear weapon against an underground Iranian nuclear facility.
The speculation intensified after American political commentator Tucker Carlson claimed on November 1 that the Trump administration could be days away from launching a nuclear strike against Iran, allegedly under pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a lengthy post on X, Carlson identified Pickaxe Mountain, an underground facility in central Iran near the Natanz nuclear complex, as the alleged target.
Carlson claimed that the facility was buried beneath hundreds of feet of rock and that conventional American weapons might not be capable of destroying its underground infrastructure. He further alleged that Netanyahu had been pressing US President Donald Trump to authorise a nuclear attack.
Citing an unnamed source, Carlson suggested that Trump could make a decision as early as November 7.
However, Carlson did not provide independently verifiable evidence supporting the alleged nuclear strike plan, and neither the White House nor the Pentagon has confirmed that such an operation is being considered.
Trump had also publicly rejected the use of nuclear weapons against Iran during an October 16 interview with Newsmax, saying that the United States did not need to use them.
During the same interview, however, Trump discussed the possibility of another attack on Pickaxe Mountain, suggesting that the US could destroy the facility using conventional weapons without deploying American ground troops.
The distinction is significant, as discussions about renewed conventional military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure have been reported separately from Carlson’s unverified nuclear attack claims.
Pickaxe Mountain remains a focus of US concerns
Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is a heavily fortified underground complex near Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.
The site has attracted international attention because of its deep underground construction, which is believed to make it difficult to reach using conventional bunker-penetrating weapons.
Its precise operational status and the activities taking place inside remain unclear.
The facility has become a particular focus of discussions about possible renewed US military operations, with Trump publicly referring to it as a potential target.
Carlson’s claims have also prompted concerns about the possible consequences of a nuclear explosion in central Iran, including radioactive contamination across the region. However, his assertions about the likelihood and consequences of such an attack have not been independently established.
Iran prepares civilians for a possible nuclear emergency
Amid the growing speculation, Iranian authorities have also been issuing nuclear emergency preparedness guidance and discussing measures to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
On October 29, Iran’s state news agency IRNA published an approximately eight-minute educational video prepared by emergency services in Isfahan Province, explaining how civilians should respond in the event of a nuclear explosion.
The guidance instructs residents to immediately seek shelter inside sturdy buildings, stay away from windows and exterior walls, close doors and windows, and avoid going outdoors because of the risk of radioactive contamination.
It also explains how people should respond if exposed to radioactive dust, including removing potentially contaminated outer clothing, sealing it in a bag and washing exposed skin and hair with soap and water.
The guidance advises people to remain inside protected buildings and follow instructions from emergency authorities.
The video was published during Iran’s annual Passive Defence Week, which focuses on preparing the country and its population for potential threats and emergencies.
Earlier, on October 10, Iran’s Crisis Management Organization chief, Hossein Sajedinia, disclosed that meetings had been held with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to discuss preparedness for nuclear emergencies.
Sajedinia said the organisation was prepared to assist with necessary measures and organise preparedness exercises if required.
He also revealed that Tehran Municipality had installed emergency warning kiosks equipped with sirens around the capital, although he acknowledged uncertainty over whether the systems were functioning effectively.
Reports of iodine tablet distribution disputed
Reports also emerged on November 6 and 7 claiming that Iran had begun distributing iodine tablets to residents living near nuclear facilities as a precaution against possible radioactive contamination.
The Times reported that an Iranian Health Ministry representative had confirmed the distribution of iodine preparations within a radius of approximately two to three kilometres of nuclear facilities.
However, Iran’s Health Ministry spokesperson, Hossein Kermanpour, subsequently disputed the report, saying that no ministry official had spoken to The Times and that the statements attributed to the ministry did not reflect the truth.
Kermanpour did not explicitly confirm or deny whether iodine tablets were being distributed in the areas concerned.
Potassium iodide tablets can help protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine following certain nuclear emergencies. However, they do not protect against the blast, heat or other forms of radiation associated with a nuclear explosion.
Authorities generally advise against taking such tablets without instructions from public-health or medical officials.
Renewed military tensions and diplomatic efforts
The developments come as military tensions between Washington and Tehran continue, with the United States carrying out further strikes against Iranian targets.
According to the Associated Press, Trump said US forces had conducted limited strikes on an Iranian air-defence system near Qeshm Island on Friday, November 6.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts are continuing through regional mediators, including Qatar, which has been working on proposals to reduce tensions and address disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Proposals reportedly under discussion include allowing international inspectors access to previously bombed Iranian nuclear sites, addressing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and arrangements concerning the US blockade and frozen Iranian assets.
The IAEA has reported that Iran possesses approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity.
While the US reward announcement has renewed attention on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the personnel involved in its development, the separate claims of an imminent American nuclear attack remain unverified.
