Iran Claims Its Forces Are Stronger Now Than at the Start of the War

Iran said on Saturday that its military has become "stronger" since the beginning of its war with the United States, as Washington announced a $20 million reward for information about Tehran's nuclear programme.

Diplomatic mediators have been working to prevent a renewed outbreak of fighting following months of stalemate in the Middle East conflict, which began in late February when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. In response, Tehran has sought to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that normally handles around one-fifth of global oil consumption.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said the country remained in control of the strategic strait and that it would stay closed until Washington addressed Tehran's demands. He also claimed Iran's military had become more powerful and confident, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

"Today, the Islamic Republic's armed forces... having gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and the Israeli regime, are on higher alert and are stronger than they were at the beginning of the war," Akraminia said.

He added that Iranian forces now had greater motivation, commitment and confidence.

"Under the order of the Supreme Leader, the response of the armed forces will be immediate, effective, and without geographical limitations," he warned.

US Offers $20 Million Reward

On Friday, the US military announced a reward of up to $20 million, along with possible relocation, for information concerning Iran's nuclear programme.

The US State Department's Rewards for Justice programme is seeking information about Iran's nuclear facilities, equipment and individuals associated with the programme, including members of its scientific community, US Central Command said in a post on X.

Established in 1984, the programme offers financial rewards for information that helps protect US citizens and national security interests.

In its statement, the State Department said Iran's failure to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards obligations had resulted in the agency losing its "continuity of knowledge" regarding Iran's production and stockpile of key nuclear components, including centrifuges.

However, Washington did not clarify what specific information would qualify for the full $20 million reward.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that American military operations have effectively destroyed Iran's nuclear programme.

"If we didn't hit Iran, you wouldn't have Israel today," Trump said on Friday night in West Palm Beach, Florida.

He further claimed that if Iran had acquired nuclear weapons, it would have used them and "obliterated the Middle East".

Trump Says Tehran Wants a Deal

Trump also maintained that Iran's economy and military capabilities had suffered severe damage during the eight-month conflict, insisting that Tehran was eager to reach an agreement to end the war.

"We're dealing with them now. They want to make a deal very badly," he said.

As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump spoke by telephone with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday to discuss initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also said earlier this week that his government remained committed to resolving the crisis through diplomatic dialogue.

Reports of Explosions on Qeshm Island

Meanwhile, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported early Saturday that two missiles had struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. However, it said there was no official information regarding possible damage.

Iranian state television separately reported hearing two explosions on the island.

The Iranian army also announced early Saturday that its air defence systems had "struck and destroyed" a US drone flying over the island, according to state media.

However, the military did not confirm whether Qeshm Island itself had come under attack.