SAEDNEWS: Iranian Foreign Minister Urges UN to Condemn US $20 Million Reward Offer for Information on Iran’s Nuclear Program
According to Saednews, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the UN Security Council, and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), strongly condemning a US announcement offering rewards of up to $20 million for information about Iran’s nuclear programme.
In the letter, dated 10 November 2026, Araghchi described the US announcement as “reckless” and “abhorrent,” warning that it could encourage espionage, sabotage, and attacks against Iran’s nuclear scientists, technical personnel, and nuclear facilities.
The announcement, made on 6–7 November through the US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice programme and circulated by US Central Command, reportedly offers financial rewards and possible relocation in exchange for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, including its personnel, scientific community, facilities, and equipment.
Araghchi stressed that Iran’s right to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is recognized under Article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
He argued that no country should undermine another state's legitimate nuclear activities through coercion, clandestine interference, or actions threatening the security of nuclear facilities and scientific personnel.
The Iranian foreign minister also warned that soliciting intelligence about facilities under IAEA safeguards could undermine confidence in the Agency’s verification system and expose sensitive safeguards-related information to misuse.
He further stated that normal safeguards implementation cannot reasonably be demanded while nuclear facilities, personnel, and sensitive information are exposed to the risks of assassination, sabotage, and aggression.
Araghchi emphasized that nuclear scientists and technical personnel must be able to carry out their professional duties without intimidation, threats, or actions endangering their lives and security.
In response, Iran called on the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council, and the IAEA Director General to publicly and unequivocally condemn the US announcement.
Tehran also urged the UN Secretary-General and Security Council to address the implications of the US action for international peace and security, take measures to protect nuclear facilities and personnel, and hold Washington accountable for what Iran described as its continuing unlawful actions.
The letter also called on the IAEA Director General to:
Reaffirm the confidentiality, impartiality, and institutional independence of the Agency’s safeguards activities.
Ensure that safeguards-related information obtained through the Agency’s work is not disclosed, misused, or exploited for purposes beyond its mandate.
Take particular measures to protect the safety and security of nuclear scientists and personnel.
Refer the matter to the IAEA Board of Governors and consider appropriate institutional measures.
Araghchi concluded by requesting that the letter be circulated as an official document of the UN Security Council and an information circular of the IAEA.
