The United States State Department announced on Friday that it is offering a reward of up to $20 million for information regarding Iran's nuclear program. The declaration came from the Rewards for Justice program, which is dedicated to gathering intelligence on foreign operations and terrorism that threaten American interests. This new initiative specifically seeks details about the personnel, equipment, and facilities connected to the Iranian nuclear effort.
The Rewards for Justice program has been active since 1984. During that time, the agency has paid out more than $250 million to over 125 individuals who provided useful information that helped protect US national security. The program currently offers rewards ranging from less than $1 million to as much as $25 million for information on a variety of global threats. These threats include terrorism, foreign election interference, malicious cyber activity, and the financial mechanisms used by North Korea.
To encourage tips from a wide range of potential sources, the program accepts submissions through several secure digital channels. These include Signal, Telegram, and the Tor Browser. The platform is accessible in multiple languages to accommodate international informants. The State Department emphasized that the safety of its sources is a priority. To this end, RFJ keeps all sources strictly confidential. In some cases, the program may also offer relocation options for a source and their family on a case-by-case basis.
In a parallel move also announced on Friday, the US State Department revealed that the United States and Canada have issued new sanctions against Iran. The two nations targeted eight digital asset service providers. These firms are accused of helping the Iranian regime use digital assets to evade existing sanctions and to fund terrorism.
The new sanctions effectively cut the targeted firms off from the dollar-based financial system. They block any assets these firms may hold within the United States and prohibit any transactions with US persons or entities. This coordinated effort aims to tighten the financial noose around Tehran's economic operations.
Scott Bessent, the Secretary of the Treasury, commented on the financial measures taken against the Iranian regime. He stated that the Treasury department will pursue and disrupt the Iranian regime's financial channels anywhere in the world. The remarks underscore the administration's intent to apply pressure through both intelligence gathering and financial controls.
The dual approach of offering a substantial cash reward and imposing new sanctions highlights the US strategy to isolate Iran. By providing multiple avenues for the Iranian government to be pressured, Washington hopes to accelerate the pace of diplomatic and economic leverage. The reward program serves as a direct incentive for insiders to share critical details about the nuclear program.
The inclusion of digital asset service providers in the latest sanctions package reflects the evolving nature of global finance. As more countries and regimes turn to digital currencies to bypass traditional banking restrictions, the US is adapting its enforcement tools accordingly. This move is part of a broader effort to monitor and control the flow of funds linked to adversarial states.
The announcement follows a period of heightened tension regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities. The US government has consistently sought to limit the expansion of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. By combining the Rewards for Justice program with new sanctions, the administration is signaling a sustained commitment to monitoring and constraining Tehran's activities on the global stage.
Asher Smith contributed to the original report from The Jerusalem Post. The developments mark a significant step in the ongoing US efforts to address the Iranian nuclear issue through a combination of financial incentives and restrictive economic policies.
