Iran Urges UN to Condemn US Nuclear Intelligence Reward

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to condemn a United States offer of up to $20 million for information regarding Iran's nuclear program. The reward, issued through the State Department's Rewards for Justice program and circulated by the U.S. Central Command, seeks data on nuclear facilities, equipment, and personnel in exchange for financial incentives and possible relocation.

Araghchi described the initiative as abhorrent and repugnant, arguing that it encourages espionage and exposes Iranian scientists to sabotage and assassination. He claimed the move undermines the integrity of the IAEA monitoring system and hinders safeguards obligations. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, while President Donald Trump claims the program was effectively obliterated during a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025.

The diplomatic clash occurs amid an ongoing conflict that began on February 28 following strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz and barred IAEA inspectors from visiting sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While Qatar and Pakistan lead negotiations to end the war, Iran continues to demand the unfreezing of assets and the lifting of sanctions.