Urgent call from Iran to the UN: Objection to the US's $20 million reward

According to the statement made by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Erakchi sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UN Security Council President Sanita Pavluta-Deslandes and IAEA President Rafael Mariano Grossi, after the US State Department announced that a reward of up to 20 million dollars would be given for information on Iran's nuclear program.

In his letter, Erakçi described the US statement as "hateful and saddening" and requested international organizations to show a clear reaction on the issue and condemn the statement.

Stating that the statement announced by the US State Department within the scope of the "Reward for Justice" program and re-shared by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) raises serious concerns about the security of Iran's peaceful nuclear program, Erakçi stated that the initiative in question encourages the collection of secret information about nuclear facilities, equipment, scientists and experts and espionage activities.

Erakçi stated that this situation may result in nuclear scientists and technical personnel being targeted, endangering the security of nuclear facilities and increasing the risk of sabotage.

Emphasizing that Iran has the right to conduct nuclear research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes within the scope of Article 4 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Erakchi pointed out that the US initiative is aimed at weakening this right.

Noting that the request for confidential information regarding nuclear facilities under IAEA control raises questions about the reliability and independence of the agency's inspection system, Erakçi stated that the information obtained within the scope of inspections should not be used in intelligence and espionage activities.

Erakçi asked the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to draw attention to the possible effects of the US statement on international peace and security, to address the threats to the security of nuclear facilities and employees, and to hold the Washington administration responsible.

Erakçi also called on IAEA President Grossi and requested that confidentiality, impartiality and institutional independence be protected in the agency's inspection activities, that the information obtained during inspections be prevented from being used for other purposes, and that the issue be brought to the IAEA Board of Directors.