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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to condemn a U.S. offer of up to $20 million for information on Iran’s nuclear program, warning that the initiative could encourage espionage and endanger nuclear scientists and facilities.
In a letter Tuesday to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the U.N. Security Council president and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Araghchi called the offer “abhorrent” and sought its unequivocal condemnation, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
The offer was issued through the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program and reposted by U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, Araghchi said.
According to his letter, the program is offering up to $20 million and possible relocation in exchange for information about Iran’s nuclear facilities, equipment, scientists and personnel.
Araghchi accused Washington of encouraging espionage against Iran’s nuclear program and said the initiative could expose scientists and technical personnel to assassination, sabotage and other security threats.
He also argued that seeking confidential information about facilities under IAEA safeguards raised questions about the credibility and integrity of the agency’s monitoring system.
Araghchi said normal implementation of safeguards obligations could not be expected while nuclear facilities, personnel and sensitive information faced threats of attack and sabotage.
He stressed that Article IV of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty recognizes the right of countries to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Araghchi urged the U.N. Security Council to examine what he described as possible consequences for international peace and security and to hold Washington accountable for unlawful actions.
He also called on Grossi to protect confidential information collected during IAEA inspections, prevent its use for intelligence purposes and bring the issue before the agency’s Board of Governors.
The Rewards for Justice program offers financial incentives for information related to threats to U.S. national security.
The dispute comes amid tensions following the U.S.-Israeli military offensive against Iran launched on Feb. 28. Despite subsequent diplomatic efforts, Washington and Tehran remain divided over Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief and the conditions for a lasting settlement.
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