Iran condemns $20m US reward for nuclear programme info

Iran has strongly criticised a $20 million reward announced by the United States for information about its nuclear programme, describing the offer as unacceptable and calling on international bodies to condemn Washington’s move.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised the issue in a letter addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Security Council and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He urged the three institutions to openly reject what he described as a “repugnant and regrettable” announcement.

The US military announced the reward last Friday, offering up to $20 million and possible relocation for individuals providing information about Iran’s nuclear facilities, equipment and personnel.

Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful. Araghchi reiterated this position while demanding an international response to Washington’s offer.

The dispute comes amid continuing uncertainty over the condition of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure following military strikes during its conflict with Israel and the United States.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that American strikes during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025 had effectively destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has since prevented IAEA inspectors from accessing facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan that were targeted during the attacks.

The confrontation escalated further after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering a wider conflict. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening phase of the war.

Further US-Israeli attacks also targeted Iranian nuclear sites during the conflict, although the full extent of the damage remains uncertain.

Diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Pakistan have been underway to negotiate an end to the fighting.

Tehran has linked progress towards an agreement to several demands, including the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the removal of sanctions. Iran has also made the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz part of its demands. The waterway has remained blocked by Tehran since the conflict began, disrupting a major international energy route.

Araghchi has previously indicated that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme would take place at a later stage.

The nuclear issue has remained a major source of tension between Tehran and Washington for years. In 2018, during Trump’s first presidency, the United States withdrew from the nuclear agreement negotiated under former president Barack Obama.

The agreement had sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.