Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Iran calls on UN, IAEA to condemn US nuclear intelligence bounty
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged the United Nations and International Atomic Energy Agency to denounce a US offer of up to US$20 million for information on Iran's nuclear programme, warning it could jeopardise the safety of Iranian nuclear facilities and personnel.
LSN Malaysia ·
Tehran lodged the complaint through diplomatic channels, arguing that the US bounty scheme violates international norms and poses direct security risks to Iran's atomic infrastructure and the scientists working within it.
The Iranian foreign minister characterised the financial incentive as an attempt to destabilise Iran's nuclear sector and potentially compromise sensitive installations. He contended that such offers undermine international cooperation on nuclear security and set a dangerous precedent for other nations.
The dispute reflects escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear activities. The US has maintained that additional scrutiny of Iran's nuclear programme is necessary to ensure regional security, while Iran insists its atomic efforts remain exclusively peaceful and operate within international safeguards.
The IAEA, which oversees global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, has not yet issued a formal response to Iran's request for condemnation. The UN has similarly refrained from immediate comment on the matter.
The latest development occurs amid broader geopolitical friction between the two nations and highlights differing approaches to nuclear transparency and intelligence-gathering practices in the Middle East.