Iran Slams US $20m Nuclear Intelligence Reward, Seeks UN Condemnation

Iran has strongly criticised a United States government offer of up to $20 million for information about its nuclear programme, urging international organisations to condemn the initiative.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the demand in a letter dated November 10, 2026, addressed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the UN Security Council Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi.

The reward was announced through the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme and publicised by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on November 6 and 7.

The offer includes a reward of up to $20 million and possible relocation for individuals who provide information about Iran’s nuclear facilities, equipment, scientists and other associated personnel.

Araghchi described the initiative as reckless, arguing that it encourages clandestine intelligence gathering and could expose Iranian nuclear scientists and technical personnel to espionage, intimidation, sabotage and possible attacks.

He also questioned the implications of the offer for the credibility and independence of the IAEA’s safeguards system, particularly because information about nuclear facilities under international monitoring could potentially be exploited for intelligence purposes.

The Iranian foreign minister maintained that his country’s nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes and cited Article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which recognises the right of member states to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with their international obligations.

He called on the UN Secretary-General and Security Council to address what Tehran considers a threat to international peace and security and to hold Washington accountable.

Araghchi also urged the IAEA chief to strengthen safeguards protecting confidential information obtained through inspections, prevent its misuse and bring the matter before the agency’s Board of Governors.

The US reward offer comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions and regional security.

The announcement has also drawn attention because US President Donald Trump previously described American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June 2025 as having completely destroyed key enrichment sites.

The latest intelligence appeal has therefore renewed questions about Washington’s assessment of Iran’s remaining nuclear capabilities.

There was no immediate indication that the United Nations or the IAEA had formally responded to Iran’s request for condemnation.