US-Iran Tensions Rise as Nuclear Talks Continue

The United States is offering up to $20 million (about $29 million) and possible relocation for information about Iran’s nuclear program, including its facilities, equipment and scientific personnel. US Central Command announced the reward through the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program, established in 1984 to obtain information that protects American lives and interests. The State Department cited Iran’s failure to meet International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards obligations, which it said had caused the agency to lose continuity of knowledge about Iran’s production and inventory of components such as centrifuges. Officials did not specify what information would qualify for payment. The offer comes amid an eight-month war and contrasts with President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that US forces have obliterated Iran’s nuclear program. Trump said Iran wanted a deal and argued that, without US strikes, Iran might have used nuclear weapons against Israel and the wider Middle East. He has also said the United States may still need to strike one or two targets, including Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected nuclear site that Tehran says is not such a facility. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with Iran reportedly reviewing proposals conveyed by Qatar. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government was seeking a solution through dialogue, while Trump discussed de-escalation with Qatar’s emir. Qatar has urged the US and Iran not to wait for a “perfect moment” to reach an agreement. At the same time, military and political tensions remain high. Iran said its air defences destroyed an American MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island, following local media reports of missile strikes there. Iranian politician Ebrahim Azizi warned that the US and Israel would pay a price for the conflict, and Iran’s supreme leader reportedly ordered the military to update its target list and respond to future attacks without geographical limits. The article says the region remains concerned about renewed US action, particularly after Republicans’ heavy midterm election defeat.

The article reports renewed US-Iran hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz as diplomats attempt to prevent a wider regional war. Two projectiles struck Iran’s Qeshm Island, where recent air strikes have targeted air defences and launchers. President Donald Trump described the attacks as “minor strikes.” Iran said it had downed US-made drones, while maritime monitoring agency UKMTO reported at least 11 ships attacked during the week ending November 6, three of which sank. Shipping traffic through the strait has fallen by about 65 percent compared with pre-conflict levels. Iran also warned that vessels using routes it considers unauthorized risk striking naval mines; Tehran said a tanker caught fire after hitting one, while Washington says the mines have been cleared. The article describes a hardening of Iran’s military posture. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said Iran had lifted its previous self-imposed limit on ballistic missile range, and claimed the country was preparing new defence capabilities. He also said Iran could prepare to build a nuclear weapon if it changed its nuclear doctrine. Iranian commentators issued warnings about retaliatory attacks on Israeli infrastructure if Iran’s water, electricity or gas supplies were targeted. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, though the article portrays them as fragile. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had spoken with 12 counterparts, including officials from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and reiterated Tehran’s demands for reopening Hormuz and regional security arrangements without outside powers. Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei reportedly conveyed similar conditions to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts cited in the article see a growing risk of conflict. Mostafa Najafi describes relations as a pendulum swinging between negotiations and war. Trita Parsi argues that the US midterm election results, fuel-price politics, pressure from pro-war figures and Trump’s reported anger toward Iran could make a near-term escalation more likely unless negotiations achieve a breakthrough.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces carried out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm island, describing them as minor attacks on an Iranian air-defence system. His remarks followed reports from Iranian state media of two missile strikes in the Suza area and a claim that Iranian forces had intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone. US Central Command said the situation was relatively calm and declined to comment further. The reports come amid continuing military activity around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments; earlier in the week, Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm as US outlets reported American “defensive strikes” in the strait. CENTCOM also announced a reward of up to $20 million, potentially with relocation, for information related to Iran’s nuclear programme and associated personnel or equipment. At the same time, Trump said talks with Tehran had made “a lot of progress” and claimed Iran wanted a deal, though he offered no details. Qatar rejected reports that negotiations had failed. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said such claims served those seeking to prolong the war, while Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said mediation efforts remained active and were intended to prevent a wider regional escalation. He cited cooperation with US officials and voices in Tehran as helping keep the crisis from spiralling out of control. The strikes were the first since Trump’s Republican Party suffered a setback in the US midterm elections. Trump blamed the election result on the Iran war and has since alternated between suggesting a resolution is near and threatening further attacks. On Thursday, he warned that the US might have to “destroy” the rest of Iran. Unnamed Pentagon officials and military commanders told The New York Times that substantial US air and naval forces were positioned to resume major combat operations if Trump ordered them to do so. Tehran has also intensified diplomatic efforts as concerns persist about a return to full-scale fighting.

The US State Department has offered a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, including details about its facilities, equipment and personnel. The programme’s Rewards for Justice initiative may also help relocate an informant. The department cited Iran’s failure to meet International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards obligations, saying this had left the agency without continuous knowledge of key components such as centrifuges. These machines can produce enriched uranium for civilian reactor fuel, but uranium enriched to around 90% purity can be used in nuclear weapons. The announcement comes amid continuing conflict and uncertainty over the prospect of further US attacks. President Donald Trump previously said US and Israeli bombing had destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities, but has also repeatedly threatened to target the suspected underground site known as Pickaxe Mountain. Before the US midterm elections, he said he was in no rush to resume major strikes, although he later described an attack on the site as something that could be completed quickly. Trump and Vice-President JD Vance have linked public opposition to the war to major Republican losses in the elections, prompting speculation that the administration may avoid escalating the conflict. Separately, US Central Command says it is establishing Task Force Iron Gate in Tampa, Florida, to coordinate efforts with other government agencies to restrict Iran’s movement of weapons, sanctioned goods and illicit revenue. Centcom says a naval blockade has prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil. Diplomatic efforts remain unresolved. Trump has said Iran wants a deal, while Qatar’s foreign ministry says both sides are reviewing proposals. Iranian negotiators have discussed a plan with mediators to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days after the US meets seven conditions. A preliminary agreement reached in June to end the war and reopen the strait collapsed within weeks, after attacks on shipping resumed and the US reinstated its blockade.

The article reports that hopes of a near-term end to the Iran war—boosted by Democrats’ decisive U.S. midterm election victory—may be misplaced. Oil prices fell more than 16% over five trading days after Vice President JD Vance connected the Republican defeat to the war, prompting markets to anticipate political pressure on President Donald Trump. Democrats intend to pursue a war powers resolution once they take control of Congress in January, but they cannot act with their new majorities before then, and Trump could veto such a resolution. Analysts say tensions and the risk of renewed fighting remain high in the meantime. The article describes several signs of escalation: U.S. Central Command reportedly disabled a tanker that ignored warnings after visiting an Iranian port; Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island and blasts in Jask, which CNBC could not independently confirm; and maritime security agencies reported attacks on tankers near Oman, including one fatality. Iran-backed Houthi forces have continued firing missiles at Saudi Arabia, while a third U.S. carrier strike group is heading to the region. Rapidan Energy estimates an 80% chance fighting will resume as diplomacy stalls. Trump has said he will decide soon whether to attack Iran again and reiterated that he will not allow it to obtain a nuclear weapon. Analysts argue that the fundamental disagreement over Iran’s nuclear capabilities keeps escalation likely. Rapidan’s Bob McNally expects renewed fighting to push crude above $100 per barrel, with gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices also likely to rise. Meanwhile, Congress’s principal leverage may be control of funding, particularly as government funding expires on Dec. 11 and negotiations could extend into 2027. Diplomatic contacts involving Qatar and a reported Iranian nuclear proposal have not produced a clear path forward; Trump dismissed the proposal and said Iran would act only with U.S. approval.

President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States had carried out “minor strikes” on Iran, following reports that two missiles hit Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian news agency Tasnim reported the strikes, according to Reuters, but said there was no official information about damage. Trump did not explicitly confirm that the strikes he described were the reported attack on Qeshm. He said U.S. forces had knocked out an Iranian anti-aircraft device within minutes. The island had also been struck by the U.S. on Monday, in what a U.S. official described as a defensive measure. The Friday strikes were the first since Tuesday’s midterm elections. Analysts and regional officials had been considering whether the election would prompt Trump to escalate the conflict or pursue renewed diplomacy. Trump claimed Iran wanted a deal and cited its economic and military condition, including inflation and damage to its navy and airport. However, the International Monetary Fund’s October forecast projected average consumer-price inflation of 78.6% for Iran in 2026, rather than the 300% figure Trump stated. Asked whether he wanted an agreement soon, Trump said no one was being hurt or killed and characterized the conflict as having involved only three or four weeks of serious fighting, despite lasting as long as seven months. Iran has said it needs more than “paper commitments” from the United States before entering a new phase of diplomatic talks. Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said practical measures by the U.S. must be seen. The article presents the competing accounts and statements without establishing the extent of damage from the reported Qeshm strikes or whether they were the strikes Trump referenced.

The United States carried out limited airstrikes against Iranian air-defence systems on Qeshm Island on Friday night, raising concern about a renewed regional war. President Donald Trump described the action as a “minor” strike and said the United States was not at war with Iran, while also claiming that negotiations had made “a lot of progress.” Iranian state media reported that two missiles struck the Suza area of Qeshm, without specifying the targets or damage. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier claimed it shot down a US drone, a claim Washington did not confirm. The strikes follow earlier US attacks described as defensive and come after a midterm election setback for Trump, which officials and analysts linked to public disagreement with his decision to enter the conflict. Trump defended that decision by arguing that Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon would threaten Israel. Qatar rejected reports that negotiations had collapsed and said it remained in close contact with both countries. Iranian officials were reviewing Qatari proposals, but Tehran reportedly wants several conditions met before discussing its nuclear programme with the Trump administration. These include ending the US blockade of Iranian ports, lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, compensating Iran for war damage, and ending hostilities across the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Washington and Tehran remain divided over the nuclear issue, which Trump says must be resolved in any agreement to end the more than eight-month-long war. Diplomatic activity has intensified. Trump spoke with Qatar’s Emir, while US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with Qatar’s defence counterpart. Qatar’s prime minister said mediators were working to contain tensions and argued that a workable agreement should not be delayed in pursuit of a perfect one. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also contacted at least 12 counterparts, calling for regional security arrangements without outside powers. Meanwhile, Iran’s military warned against rebuilding enemy bases in the region. Analyst Danny Citrinowicz cautioned that Tehran might respond to any attack by widening the conflict, potentially drawing in Gulf states and Iran-aligned groups. He warned that Washington could expect a short operation while Iran prepares for a broader, prolonged war.

The United States is offering up to $20 million and possible relocation to people who provide information about Iran’s nuclear program, according to US Central Command. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice initiative is seeking information about relevant facilities, equipment, associated personnel—including members of the scientific community—and the movement of these items or people. Established in 1984, the program offers rewards for information that could help protect US national security. The State Department said Iran’s failure to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards obligations has caused the agency to lose “continuity of knowledge” about Iran’s production and inventory of key components, including centrifuges. The announcement comes amid President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that US forces “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities and that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon. Speaking at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Trump said Iran was “not even close” to having one and referred to US B-2 bomber strikes conducted more than a year earlier. Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain central to negotiations over ending the war, which the article says began in late February after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that his government was continuing efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue. The article presents the reward announcement alongside these competing claims and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

A senior UAE official says he is cautiously optimistic that U.S.-Iran negotiations may advance, citing progress in recent days through Qatari mediation, but warns that renewed conflict remains possible. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi said he hopes the sides can build trust and find a political solution, while acknowledging that he cannot rule out war. The comments followed a Reuters report that Iran had submitted a new nuclear proposal to Washington through Qatar. Iran reportedly continued to demand that the United States meet seven conditions, including sanctions relief and an end to its naval blockade, before negotiations could proceed. President Donald Trump has not ruled out further military action, and Iran has threatened wider retaliation if fighting resumes. The article describes the UAE’s approach as a blend of diplomatic hope and security preparedness. Al Nuaimi said the country plans for the worst while hoping for the best. The Emirates had been targeted by more than 3,000 Iranian missiles and drones during the earlier war, according to figures cited by the Associated Press; the attacks caused casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. Although no new Iranian attacks had targeted the UAE since May, the threat continues to shape security planning. Al Nuaimi asserted the UAE’s right to defend its people and sovereignty, while distinguishing Iran’s government from its people, whom he described as deserving respect. Despite the tensions, daily life in Dubai appeared normal, with busy restaurants, tourists and public entertainment. Abu Dhabi hosted ADIPEC 2026, a major energy conference where delegates discussed investment and technology, even as security concerns had led ExxonMobil and Chevron executives to cancel planned appearances. The scenes illustrate the UAE’s effort to sustain economic activity and project stability while preparing for a changed regional security environment.

Explosions were reported on Saturday on Iran’s Qeshm Island, in the Strait of Hormuz, and in the southern Iranian port of Jask, according to Iranian media. The cause of the reported explosions was unclear, and Iran had not officially confirmed their source. Earlier the same day, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that two missiles had struck Qeshm Island, but it provided no official information about possible damage. The reports came days after the United States carried out strikes on the island. A US official described those strikes as limited and said they did not mark a resumption of major combat operations. Countries in the region had been anticipating that US President Donald Trump might restart attacks on Iran after Tuesday’s midterm elections. The article notes that Trump had held off on strikes during the weeks leading up to the vote. Iran has repeatedly warned that it would respond to new attacks by striking US and Israeli targets in neighboring countries. The report does not establish whether the newly reported explosions were connected to the earlier US strikes or to any subsequent military action. It presents the incident as an unconfirmed report amid regional concern about a possible renewed escalation.

Iranian officials said the country’s armed forces are stronger and more confident than they were at the start of the war with the United States and Israel, which began in late February. Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said the forces had gained experience in direct confrontation, were on higher alert and would respond immediately, effectively and without geographical limits if ordered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran also said it retained control of the Strait of Hormuz and would keep the strategic waterway closed until its demands were met, threatening a route that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption. The statements came amid efforts by mediators to prevent fighting from resuming after months of deadlock. On Nov 6, the US military announced a reward of up to US$20 million, with possible relocation, for information about Iran’s nuclear programme. The State Department said Iran’s failure to meet safeguards obligations had left the International Atomic Energy Agency without continuity of knowledge about key components, including centrifuges. The announcement sought information on facilities, equipment and associated personnel, but the US did not explain what information would qualify for the full reward. President Donald Trump said US forces had severely damaged Iran’s nuclear programme, economy and military, and claimed Tehran wanted a deal. He also argued that Iran would have used nuclear weapons if it had them. Trump discussed efforts to end the conflict with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government remained committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported two missile strikes or explosions on Qeshm Island, without official information on damage. Iran’s army also said its air defences had destroyed a US drone over the island, but did not say whether the island itself had been attacked. The reports underline the continuing uncertainty and tension alongside diplomatic efforts.

The United States is offering a reward of up to US$20 million, along with possible relocation, for information about Iran’s nuclear programme. US Central Command announced the State Department’s Rewards for Justice offer on Nov. 6, saying qualifying information could concern nuclear facilities, equipment, or associated personnel, including scientists. The programme was established in 1984 to obtain information that protects American lives and interests. The State Department said Iran’s failure to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards obligations has caused the agency to lose “continuity of knowledge” about Iran’s production and inventory of important components, including centrifuges. It did not specify what information would qualify for the maximum reward. The announcement comes amid conflicting public claims about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the prospects for ending the war. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said US forces effectively obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, he argued that an Iranian nuclear capability would have threatened Israel and the wider Middle East. Trump also said Iran’s economy and military had been severely damaged over eight months of war and claimed Tehran was eager to reach a deal. Meanwhile, mediators are pursuing diplomatic efforts to prevent fighting from resuming. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Nov. 3 that his government was still seeking to resolve the crisis through dialogue. Trump also said he still needed to “take care” of one or two targets, including Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran, which is suspected by the United States to be a nuclear site; Tehran denies that it is such a facility.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had spoken separately with 12 foreign ministers over 48 hours, discussing regional developments and ways to prevent insecurity from spreading. The officials he named were from the UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Tunisia, Iraq and Cyprus. Araghchi said he had set out Iran’s positions, including calls to respect national sovereignty, end aggression and threats, avoid harmful foreign interference, and create regional security arrangements without outside powers. The outreach comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and efforts to prevent renewed conflict. Qatar is seeking to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman said the US remained interested in reaching an agreement after the midterm elections, that significant progress had been made, and that he was confident a settlement could be reached. He said the parties should aim for a good agreement rather than wait for a perfect one. The article also reports Iranian state media accounts of two missile strikes in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump acknowledged that American forces had conducted what he described as minor strikes against Iranian military equipment, but did not specify when or where. He also said negotiations had made progress and that Iran wanted an agreement. Meanwhile, the US State Department advised Americans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance, citing threats from Iran and Houthi rebels and warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions. The article notes that Iran has said it would respond to new attacks by targeting US and Israeli interests in the region. Tehran has also proposed a seven-day plan, rejected by Trump, involving the lifting of a blockade on Iranian ports, the unfreezing of assets and an Iranian-backed route through the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States is offering up to $20 million, potentially with relocation, for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, including its facilities, equipment, scientific personnel, and related movements. US Central Command publicized the State Department’s Rewards for Justice offer, while the State Department cited Iran’s failure to meet International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards obligations and the agency’s resulting loss of visibility into some nuclear components. The announcement did not explain what information would qualify for the maximum reward. The offer comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end a war that has lasted more than eight months. President Donald Trump said Iran wanted a deal and defended the US military campaign, while also claiming that American forces had largely destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme. He referred to a suspected site known as Pickaxe Mountain, which Iran says is not a nuclear facility. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran continues to seek a resolution through dialogue. Trump also confirmed fresh, limited US strikes on Iranian air defences. Iranian state media reported two explosions on Qeshm Island. Separately, officials told the Associated Press that Iran was considering proposals from Qatar, the chief mediator, but did not want nuclear negotiations to begin until the United States accepted conditions Tehran had set for a ceasefire. Reported proposals include easing the US blockade of Iranian ports and releasing some frozen funds in exchange for access by IAEA inspectors to sites bombed by the US and Israel. A subsequent step would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary arrangement, followed by wider negotiations on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and nuclear programme. Iran says its programme is peaceful. The IAEA has reported that Iran holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent. Tehran is also seeking sanctions relief, unfreezing of assets, compensation for war damage, and an end to regional hostilities. The article concludes with recent diplomatic contacts involving US, Qatari, Iranian, Iraqi, Tunisian, and Egyptian officials, alongside Egypt’s call for flexibility to prevent further escalation.