Iranian nuclear scientist back home from US amid spy claims

Iranian nuclear scientist back home from US

TEHRAN, Iran — An Iranian nuclear scientist who disappeared a year ago is back in Tehran from the United States as Iranian and U.S. officials trade conflicting accounts of his time away.

Shahram Amiri spoke to journalists allowed to cover his return Thursday as his young son sat on his lap.

Amiri repeated claims he was abducted last year while on a pilgrimage in the Saudi holy city of Medina and carried off to the United States. He says CIA agents tried to pressure him into making propaganda against his homeland and offered him $50 million to remain in America.

U.S. authorities say the 32-year-old Amiri was in the United States freely — suggesting he was a defector.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An Iranian nuclear scientist who disappeared a year ago is back in Tehran from the United States as Iranian and U.S. officials trade conflicting accounts of his time away.

Shahram Amiri spoke to journalists allowed to cover his return Thursday as his young son sat on his lap.

Amiri repeated claims he was abducted last year while on a pilgrimage in the Saudi holy city of Medina and carried off to the United States. He says CIA agents tried to pressure him into making propaganda against his homeland and offered him $50 million to remain in America.

U.S. authorities say the 32-year-old Amiri was in the United States freely — suggesting he was a defector.