Iranian official's two wives blame Turkey for his 'kidnap'

Two wives of an Iranian ex-deputy defence minister who disappeared in Turkey last month blamed the country for his "kidnap", media reported. According to Turkish newspapers, Asgari had information on Iran's nuclear programme, which Western powers suspect is aimed to build atom bombs.

Iran's police chief has suggested that Ali Reza Asgari, who disappeared after checking into an Istanbul hotel on Feb. 7, was kidnapped by Western intelligence. Israel and the United States have denied any involvement in his disappearance. Turkish, Arabic and Israeli media have suggested Asgari defected to the West. (Reuters)