Piers Morgan mocks US over $20m reward for details on Iran's nuclear programme
The US Department of State has put up an enormous reward for anyone willing to spill the beans on Iran's nuclear programme, with broadcaster Piers Morgan offering a blunt reaction. The Rewards for Justice scheme is dangling a staggering sum of up to $20 million for credible intelligence about the nuclear programme , covering its facilities, equipment and key personnel, as well as information about the scientific community. Potential relocation is also being offered as part of the package.
"In 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran is enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, a level that is a short technical step from the 90 percent required for a nuclear weapon," the statement read. "Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce uranium at such a high enrichment level. 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.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article quotes the State Department saying Iran 'is enriching uranium to 60 percent purity', citing a 2025 IAEA report, but leaves out that Trump has repeatedly said US forces obliterated the programme and that the same State Department statement admits the IAEA has lost 'continuity of knowledge' about Iran's production. Without this a reader believes the US statement describes a programme known to be running at 60 per cent now, and cannot see why the reward was mocked.
How we know
- Le Monde (English) reported“Trump has repeatedly said US forces have effectively obliterated Iran's nuclear program.”US offers $20 million reward for info on 'Iran's nuclear program' (opens in a new tab)
- Le Monde (English) reported“has led to the agency's loss of 'continuity of knowledge' regarding Iran's production”US offers $20 million reward for info on 'Iran's nuclear program' (opens in a new tab)
Iran's nuclear ambitions have long been a thorn in America's side, with President Donald Trump repeatedly citing them 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 hit back 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".
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