What's the 2,700-Year-Old Gift the U.S. Reportedly Gave Iran's President That's Worth Over $1,000,000?

The Obama administration last week gave Iranian President Hassan Rouhani a 2,700-year-old Persian artifact reportedly worth more than $1 million, according to various media reports.

The administration called it a “special gift” to the Iranians.

“The Americans contacted us on Thursday and said 'we have a gift for you',” Iran’s president told reporters after he returned Saturday from his trip to the United States, according to the ILNA news agency.

“They gave it back as a special gift to the Iranian nation,” he added.

So what did the Obama administration allegedly give Rouhani? A 7th century silver drinking cup in the shape of a winged griffin (head of an eagle, body of a lion).

The 7th century BC silver griffin-shaped ceremonial drinking vessel was likely looted from a cave in northwestern Iran. (U.S. State Department)

It’s reportedly worth more than one million dollars, AFP reports.

The cup was reportedly found in a cave in Iran and later confiscated by the U.S. after an arts dealer tried to smuggle it into the country, the State department said.

Iran's heritage organization chief was thrilled with news of the gift.

"We hope this will mark the beginning of the return of other artifacts," said Mohammad Ali Najafi, according to IRNA news agency.

Rouhani made headlines Friday after it was reported he spoke with President Obama on the phone, a first for an Iranian president in nearly three decades.

--

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

Featured image via Associated Press.

[related]