Trump says US ‘could be an occupier’ in Iran as Washington offers $20M reward
US President Donald Trump has suggested that Washington could become an “occupier” in Iran while claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US military is offering rewards of up to $20 million for information on Iran’s nuclear programme, as Vice President JD Vance leads diplomatic efforts to secure a new ceasefire and revive nuclear negotiations.
Trump claims control over Strait of Hormuz
Speaking to reporters on Friday after delivering remarks at a NASA facility in Florida, Trump compared the conflict with Iran to the Russia-Ukraine war, which he claimed resulted in 25,000 deaths in October.
Arguing that the situation in Iran could not be described as a conventional war, Trump said nobody had been wounded in recent months.
“All we are is maybe an occupier. We could be an occupier,” he said.
Trump also reiterated his claim that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy supplies.
“We control the Hormuz Strait,” he said, adding that the US was taking out more oil from the waterway than at any time in its history.
Trump acknowledges strikes on Qeshm Island
Asked about reported US strikes near Iran’s Qeshm Island on Friday, Trump initially declined to comment but acknowledged that American forces had carried out limited military operations.
“I don't want to talk about. We do minor strikes,” he said.
He claimed that Iranian forces had built an anti-aircraft installation that was destroyed by US forces within minutes.
Trump had confirmed US strikes against an Iranian air defence facility on Qeshm Island earlier in the week, describing the operation as a limited attack rather than a return to full-scale war.
Iran has rejected Washington’s claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Tehran retains strategic control of the waterway and will not reopen it until its conditions are met.
US offers $20 million for information on Iran’s nuclear programme
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that the Rewards for Justice programme is offering up to $20 million for information related to Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to CENTCOM, the reward also includes possible relocation assistance for individuals providing useful information.
The programme is seeking details about nuclear facilities, equipment and associated personnel, including members of Iran’s scientific community, as well as information about their movements.
CENTCOM also shared a link to the Rewards for Justice website, where information can be submitted.
Vance leads quiet diplomatic push for new deal
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has reportedly been personally involved in indirect negotiations with Iran over the past two weeks, seeking a new ceasefire and the resumption of nuclear talks.
According to Axios, citing two sources familiar with the discussions, Vance has been in almost daily contact with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and other mediators.
White House envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are also involved in the diplomatic efforts.
The discussions have included the possibility of holding a technical-level working meeting between the two sides in the coming days, although no such meeting has taken place yet.
Two weeks ago, Vance reportedly sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, proposing a return to direct negotiations. Iranian officials reportedly viewed the letter as creating positive momentum.
Qatar calls for dialogue and de-escalation
Trump also spoke by phone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday.
According to a statement from the Qatari Emir’s office, Sheikh Tamim stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and preventing further escalation in the region.
The United States and Israel launched their military offensive against Iran on February 28. A ceasefire was reached in April, followed by a memorandum in June aimed at securing a peace agreement.
However, negotiations have so far failed to produce a final settlement.
Source:AA
