Iran says its military has grown “stronger” since the war with the United States began. Its army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, made the claim on Saturday, saying the armed forces are more experienced, more alert and more confident than they were at the outset of the conflict. The remarks came as mediators work to prevent a return to fighting after months of deadlock in the Middle East war, which started in late February when the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
Akraminia also said Tehran still controls the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption. He said the strait would remain closed until Washington meets Iran’s demands, according to state news agency IRNA.
Army cites combat experience against US and Israel
Akraminia said the armed forces had gained knowledge through direct clashes with the United States and what he called the Israeli regime. He said they were now on higher alert and had greater drive, dedication and self-belief.
Also read: Iran's army warns any new US attack would widen war
He added that, under the Supreme Leader’s orders, the military’s response would be swift and effective, with no geographic restrictions.
US offers $20 million reward over Iran’s nuclear programme
On Friday, the US military announced a reward of $20 million, along with possible relocation, for information about Iran’s nuclear programme. US Central Command said on X that Rewards for Justice, a State Department programme, was seeking information on facilities, equipment and associated personnel, including those in the scientific community.
The programme was established in 1984 under the State Department’s national security rewards framework to pay for information that protects American lives and interests. In a statement, the department said Iran’s failure to comply with safeguards obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency had caused the agency to lose “continuity of knowledge” over Iran’s production and inventory of key components such as centrifuges. It did not specify what kind of information would qualify for the reward.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said US forces have effectively destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme. Speaking on Friday night in West Palm Beach, Florida, he said, “If we didn’t hit Iran, you wouldn’t have Israel today.”
Talks continue as missile reports emerge from Qeshm Island
Trump also said Iran, whose economy and military he said had been severely damaged over eight months of war, was eager to end the conflict. “We’re dealing with them now. They want to make a deal very badly,” he said. He had called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday to discuss efforts to end the war.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said earlier this week that his government was still trying to resolve the crisis through dialogue. Early on Saturday, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that two missiles had struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that there was no official information about any damage. Iranian state television reported two explosions on the island.
The Iranian army said early Saturday that its air defences had “struck and destroyed” a US drone flying over the island, according to state media. It did not say whether the island itself had been attacked.
