‘Abducted’ Iranian scientist back in Tehran

BERLIN - The Iranian scientist who was allegedly abducted by the United States arrived in Tehran Thursday, state media reported.

While showing a victory sign, Shahram Amiri was welcomed at Tehran’s IKIA airport by deputy foreign minister Hassan Ghashghavi as well as his wife, son and parents.

Amiri has said Wednesday that once back in Iran, he would disclose all details of his abduction by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Amiri, an employee of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation, had said on Iran’s state television that he was abducted by the US government while he was on a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in June 2009, brought forcefully to the US and asked about Iran’s nuclear projects.

The scientist further said that he escaped the CIA, came to Washington and took refugee in the Pakistani embassy which represents Iran’s diplomatic interests as the two states have had no official ties for over three decades.

The US adamantly rejected the accusations and in return claimed Amiri had defected to the US and provided the CIA information Iran’s nuclear activities.