An Iranian nuclear scientist Tehran claims was abducted by US intelligence agents has taken refuge in the Islamic republic’s interest section in Washington, state media reported on Tuesday.

“Shahram Amiri, the abducted Iranian expert, took refuge in Iran’s interest section in Washington hours ago,” state television’s website said.

In a separate report, Mehr news agency said Amiri who was “abducted by Americans went to Iran’s interest section… and asked for a quick return to Tehran.”

Iran’s interests in the United States are managed by the Pakistan embassy as Tehran and Washington have had no diplomatic ties for more than three decades.