The US Department of State is offering up to $20 million for credible intelligence on Iran's nuclear programme, a move that drew a blunt reaction from broadcaster Piers Morgan and widespread criticism online.
The Rewards for Justice scheme promises the sum for information about the programme's facilities, equipment and key personnel, as well as details about the scientific community. Potential relocation is also included as part of the package.
Reward announced amid nuclear concerns
The announcement cited a 2025 report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stating that Iran is enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, a level described as a short technical step from the 90 percent required for a nuclear weapon.
"Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce uranium at such a high enrichment level," the statement read. "Experts estimate this quantity, if enriched further, could be enough for several nuclear weapons."
The life-altering sum has been offered to ordinary members of the public.
Conflict and backlash
Iran's nuclear ambitions have long been cited by US President Donald Trump as justification for his nation's military campaign against the Middle Eastern country. The US and Israel launched co-ordinated strikes on several critical Iranian sites at the end of February. Iran responded by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil supply had previously flowed before the conflict erupted.
The fallout has been catastrophic: global oil markets were sent into turmoil, air travel across the region was thrown into chaos and thousands of lives have been lost.
The US Central Command announced the reward in a post on social media platform X. The announcement sparked fierce criticism, with Piers Morgan responding with a brief message: "WTF????".
One X user echoed Mr Morgan's reaction: "Hahah they don't even know the location of Iran's nuclear program. This is so embarrassing." Another X user remarked: "So you have started a war to "dismantle" a nuclear program you know nothing about? ? Because it doesn't exist."
While a third observed: "Looks like Iran did a good job ridding itself of your agents. Now you're resorting to begging online." Another added: "I thought they destroyed it like 4 times already lol".
