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 Amiri's abduction.
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 Amiri, who worked for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.
Amiri, who went missing during a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia more than a year ago, appeared on Tuesday 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 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.
Amiri was quoted by Iranian state TV on Tuesday as saying "my kidnapping was a disgraceful act for America."
The mystery surrounding Amiri fueled speculation that he may have information about Iran's nuclear program sought by US intelligence. In March, ABC News reported that Amiri had defected and was helping the CIA.