Missing Iranian Scientist Turns Up in DC

A missing Iranian nuclear scientist, who Tehran claims was abducted by the US, has taken refuge at the Pakistani embassy in Washington and is asking to return to his homeland. Iranian state TV reported that the scientist, Shahram Amiri, entered the embassy's office representing Iranian interests in the US last night and demanded an "immediate return" to Iran.

Amiri disappeared while on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in June 2009; before he disappeared, Amiri worked at Tehran's Malek Ashtar University, an institution closely connected to the powerful Revolutionary Guard. In March there were media reports that Amiri defected to the US and was assisting the CIA in efforts to undermine Iran's nuclear program. Iran's state TV has periodically showed purported videos of Amiri claiming abduction and torture by the US. Iran has previously hinted it would trade three American hikers it has held since last July for a number of Iranians allegedly detained by the US, including Amiri. An Iranian spokesman later said no such deal was in the works. (More Shahram Amiri stories.)