U.S. paid Iranian nuclear scientist $5 million for aid to CIA

The Iranian nuclear scientist who claimed to have been abducted by the CIA before departing for his homeland Wednesday was paid more than $5 million.

The Iranian nuclear scientist who claimed to have been abducted by the CIA before departing for his homeland Wednesday was paid more than $5 million by the agency to provide intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. officials said. The Washington Post reports that Shahram Amiri is not obligated to return the money but might be unable to access it after breaking off what U.S. officials described as significant cooperation with the CIA and abruptly returning to Iran. Officials said he might have left out of concern that the Tehran government would harm his family.

These stories are part of our daily Dorobek Must Reads. Check out the full list of stories.

Copyright © 2025 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Getty Images/iStockphoto/KRCU.S. Capitol Building

    What happens when MLK Day and Inauguration Day fall on the same day?

    Read more
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs nominee Denis McDonough

    VA leaders say fixing budget shortfall is ‘job one’ for Trump administration in transition talks

    Read more