An Iranian nuclear scientist who disappeared more than a year ago and mysteriously turned up in Washington is on his way back to Iran via a third country, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by Iranian semi-official news agency ISNA.
"With the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran and effective cooperation of Pakistan's embassy in Washington, a few minutes ago Shahram Amiri left American soil and is heading back to Iran via a third country," he said.
Ramin Mehmanparast said the foreign ministry would pursue the case through legal and diplomatic channels regarding the part the US government played in Mr Amiri's alleged abduction.
US state department and Pakistan embassy officials in Washington could not be reached for comment.
Iran, which is locked in a standoff with the West over its suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons, has repeatedly accused the CIA of abducting Mr Amiri, who worked for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation.
Mr Amiri, who went missing during a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia more than a year ago, appeared yesterday at the Iranian interests section of the Pakistani embassy, which represents Iran in the United States because Tehran and Washington have no diplomatic relations.
A man identifying himself as Mr Amiri has variously said in recent videos that he was kidnapped and tortured; that he was studying in the United States; and that he had fled US agents and wanted human rights groups to help him return to Iran.
Mr Amiri was quoted by Iranian state TV yesterday as saying "my kidnapping was a disgraceful act for America."
The mystery surrounding Mr Amiri fuelled speculation that he may have information about Iran's nuclear programme sought by US intelligence. In March, ABC News reported that Mr Amiri had defected and was helping the CIA.
Reuters