The United States has sharply escalated pressure on Iran by offering up to 15 million dollars for information on oil transfers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The move comes alongside fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s shadow fleet and entities accused of secretly moving Iranian oil to foreign markets.

The United States has begun repositioning major naval assets closer to Iran, marking a significant escalation in military readiness even as Washington continues to emphasize diplomacy as a preferred path forward. President Donald Trump confirmed that a US “armada,” including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and guided-missile destroyers, is moving toward the Middle East. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the deployment is meant to strengthen deterrence while making clear that military force may not ultimately be used if diplomatic channels remain viable. WATCH