15-07-10 'Abducted' Nuclear Scientist Returns to Iran

Flashing a victory sign,an Iranian nuclear scientist who claims he was abducted and abused by U.S. agents a year ago returned Thursday to his homeland and into the heart of the latest crossfire between Washington and Tehran.The conflicting accounts about Shahram Amiri — captive or defector who got cold feet — are unlikely to alter the Western-led pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.But Iran's leaders are expected to use Amiri to ring up as many propaganda points as possible against Washington — showing that relations remain in a deep freeze and hopes of breakthrough talks appear as distant as ever.It also gives the ruling clerics a welcome distraction at a time when domestic protests are growing over Iran's stumbling economy and worries about the fallout from international sanctions.Amiri's return "shows the strength of the Islamic republic," boasted lawmaker Amir Taherkhani.Another prominent parliament member,Alaeddin Boroujerdi,called the alleged kidnapping.