Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Iran blames U.S., Israel in killing of scientist
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Iran blames U.S., Israel in killing of scientist
Reuters - Wednesday, January 13
Send
IM Story
Print
By Fredrik Dahl
TEHRAN - A remote-controlled bomb killed a Tehran University nuclear scientist on Tuesday, state media reported, in an attack which Iran blamed on U.S. and Israeli agents.
The blast which killed professor Massoud Ali-Mohammadi occurred at a time of heightened tension in the Islamic Republic, seven months after a disputed presidential election plunged the major oil producer into turmoil.
It also coincided with a sensitive time in Iran's row with the West over its nuclear ambitions, with major powers expected to meet in New York on Saturday to discuss possible new sanctions on Tehran over its refusal to halt its atomic work.
Such bombing attacks are rare in the Iranian capital.
The bomb which killed "Ali-Mohammadi, a nuclear scientist and a committed and revolutionary Tehran University professor, was detonated by a remote control," state broadcaster IRIB said on its website.
Officials blamed Israel and the United States for the bombing. "Signs of the triangle of wickedness by the Zionist regime , America and their hired agents, are visible in the terrorist act," the foreign ministry said.
"Such terrorist acts and the apparent elimination of the country's nuclear scientists will definitely not obstruct scientific and technological processes," it added.
Western capitals suspect that Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at developing bombs. Tehran denies this, saying it only seeks to generate electricity.
Iranian media did not say whether Ali-Mohammadi was involved in the country's nuclear programme. An Internet search shows a scientist of that name to have co-written research papers on the nature of "dark energy," a highly theoretical area of cosmology.
Mark Fitzpatrick, chief proliferation analyst at London's International Institute for Strategic Studies, said Israel had in the past killed people working on nuclear programmes it perceives as hostile.
But he said it was unlikely Tuesday's killing was "part of an Israeli or American strategy to deprive Iran of the brains of the enrichment process. There are by now too many scientists and engineers with the requisite expertise."
The bombing follows the disappearance in June of Shahram Amiri, a university researcher working for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, during a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Amiri vanished three months before Iran disclosed the existence of its second uranium enrichment site, near the city of Qom. In December Tehran accused Saudi Arabia of handing Amiri over to the United States.
BOOBY-TRAPPED MOTORCYCLE
Fars News Agency quoted a foreign-based group, the Iran Monarchy Association as claiming responsibility for the attack. It did not say how it obtained the statement.
Iranian universities have been the scene of rival protests by opposition campaigners and government supporters since the June poll, which the reformist opposition says was rigged to secure the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Student activists form the backbone of the Iranian reform movement.
Iranian state television said Ali-Mohammadi was a "staunch supporter of the Islamic Revolution," suggesting he was a pro-government. Fars also quoted one of his students as saying he had worked with the Revolutionary Guards until 2003. An opposition website, Jaras, said the professor was a supporter of opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi.
English-language Press TV said Ali-Mohammadi, a 50-year old lecturer of neutron physics at Tehran University, was killed on Tuesday morning near his home in a northern part of the capital by a booby-trapped motorcycle.
It showed footage of broken glass and other debris at the scene, with what appeared to be the dead man in a body bag taken away on a stretcher. Another media report said windows were shattered within a distance of 50 metres from the blast.
A senior Interior Ministry official, Mehdi Mohammadifar, said the motive for the bombing was under investigation.
Iran has been convulsed by its most serious domestic unrest since the Islamic revolution in 1979, as protests by opposition supporters against the election result have turned violent. Authorities deny opposition allegations that voting was rigged.
Eight people were killed in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters on Ashura, the day of ritual Shi'ite Muslim mourning that fell on December 27.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Saudi: 82 soldiers killed fighting Yemeni rebels AP - 47 minutes ago
Italy may suspend Berlusconi trials by decree Reuters - 54 minutes ago
Pacific islanders bid to stop Czech coal plant Reuters - 1 hour 1 minute ago
Zimbabwe prosecutor seeks to impeach Bennett witness Reuters - 1 hour 2 minutes ago
Publisher's slaying stuns Cyprus AP - 1 hour 11 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
Optimism fills Detroit auto show
Incoming EU trade chief sees WTO deal by 2011
Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100
Venezuela army shuts stores amid devaluation panic
Next 40 years key for climate change: study
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100
Venezuela army shuts stores amid devaluation panic
Next 40 years key for climate change: study
World economy getting back to normal: central bankers
US keeps AAA rating with Fitch despite concerns
More Most Viewed »
Beat the blues by going to bed early: study
Huge tomb found at Egypt's Saqqara pyramid
Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Tuesday, 12 January 2010 Israel to build 2 fences on porous Egyptian border
N.Ireland leader stands aside over wife's sex scandal
Kodak settles camera patent dispute with Samsung
Bomber urged more attacks before striking CIA
|
Iran prosecutor urges no leniency for detainees
Optimism at Detroit auto show as industry banks on recovery
Yemenis know where hostages are: German FM
North Korea calls for peace treaty to replace armistice
|
Alcatel, telcos, chip makers launch green research
US keeps AAA rating with Fitch despite concerns
N. Ireland leader steps aside to clear name
Egypt says Israel's border fence "not our concern"
Snow hits southern Spain as big freeze sweeps Europe
World economy getting back to normal: central bankers
Iraq: Election worker killed in March vote run-up
Northern Ireland leader to step down temporarily
|
Six foreign troops killed in Afghanistan: NATO
Algeria protests at new U.S. air security rules
|
Qaeda demands ransom for French hostage in Mali
Egypt says Israel's border fence not our concern
|
Al Qaeda sets deadline for French hostage's life
|
Hendrix family, Sony to release "new" album
Kodak settles camera patent dispute with Samsung
Navy SEAL's trial in detainee abuse moved to Iraq
White House defends health tax opposed by labor
Republicans cite Lott in calling for Reid to quit
NH tax evader gets 37 years on weapons charges
Google Nexus One phone parts cost $174: iSuppli
|
Trial opens in murder, kidnapping from womb case
NKorea proposes treaty to formally end Korean War
Father in Colo. balloon boy hoax reports to jail
Europe's Internet kids like to keep it real
|
Clinton starts Asia tour amid concerns over Japan ties
Kodak settles camera patent dispute with Samsung
|
Lawmaker may seek fed oversight of California cops
Australia attacks may "cast a shadow" on ties
Canadian man mauled to death by his pet tiger
Gurkha veterans lose UK court battle on pensions
Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely
|
Obama to attend funeral for Biden's mother
N.Korea wants peace treaty with the US
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina Loans Campaign $2.5 Million
6 troops, including 3 US, killed in Afghanistan
Toyota Announces New Line Of Eco-Friendly Cars
Food Scientist Warns Against Population-Wide Salt Reduction Program
India, Bangladesh pledge to combat terrorism
Cynthia Nixon Talks Joining Campaign To End Florida Gay Adoption Ban
China sends Rio case to prosecutors
Florida Families Suffer Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Using Barbecue Grill To Warm Homes
Congressional Black Caucus Accepts Harry Reid's (D-Nev) Apology
Pakistani couple kills baby in sacrificial ritual
Top House Republican Leader's Chief Of Staff Dies
After Being Named Top Elvis Impersonator, Blagojevich Declares He's 'Blacker Than Obama'
Record Low South Florida Temperatures Cause Massive Power Outages
Two Georgia Teens Drown In Icy Lake
China sends Rio Tinto bribery case to prosecutors
Cambodian govt returns air traffic firm to Thais
Simon Cowell says will leave American Idol in 2010
|
Posey, Spurlock, Kusama join Sundance juries
F1 star Hamilton and Pussycat Dolls singer split
Denzel Washington wields Bible in Eli
|
Hendrix family, Sony to release new album
|
Hendrix family, Sony to release "new" album
In tough times, French take English immersion classes at home
French New Wave film director Eric Rohmer dies
|
Britain's Tate unveils mislaid Blake etchings
Indonesia arrests Australian allegedly with drugs
India unveils transsexual talent show
What will Conan O'Brien do?
Blagojevich: `Blacker' than Obama comment `stupid'
Taylor Lautner set to appear at the Golden Globes
Geek Fact: Binary Code Reflected In Today's Date (011010)
Ashland NY Firehouse Burns Down
Texas Teen Denies Hiring Classmate To Kill Mother
Device For Mobile Phone VoIP To Hit Stores
Composer Threatens To Sue Philippine Presidential Candidate For Unauthorized Use Of Song In Campaign Ad
Ex British PM's advisor to appear at Iraq probe
AOL to begin cutting jobs after volunteers run short
North Korea digs in on U.S. peace talks demand
|
Venezuela army shuts stores amid devaluation panic
Major powers seen meeting on Iran this week
US-TECH Summary
Pakistan seen becoming more Islamist, anti-U.S
|
Google Nexus One phone parts cost $174: iSuppli
New EU foreign chief criticised for lack of specifics
Next 40 years key for climate change: study
Palestinians say Israel kills two in Gaza
Sudan's Bashir retires as army chief before vote
Tehran bomb kills university professor: TV
|
Obama security aide to join Mideast peace push
Prehistoric building found in modern Israeli city
Chadian rebels attack, rape Darfuris
Archbishop accuses China over role in Sudan
Palestinians say Israel kills two in Gaza
|
China unveils anti-missile test after Taiwan sale
|
Chilean museum raises Pinochet's ghost before vote
|
Sony to open new chapter in "Spider-Man" saga
Texas school board keeps ban on boy's long hair
CAPITAL CULTURE: WH garden ex'seeds' expectations
SKorea, US dismiss NKorea's peace talks proposal
Vegetable gardening at the White House
Ex-Philippine leader says 'destined' for new term
Hawaii's missing moon rocks found
NYC amusement park strongman, 104, killed by van
8-yr-old boys save drowning man at Aussie beach
Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely
|
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Mass. friend: Tylenol killings suspect submits DNA
N.Zealand, Fiji OK improving relations: minister
Clinton: Iran sanctions should target elite
Japan coast guard searches for 10 fishermen
Some fear Kan. ruling may spur abortion violence
New Zealand, Fiji agree to thaw frosty relations
US court urged to dismiss Guantanamo case
Shallow quake hits off Taiwan
Highlights of Hollywood's 2010 movie lineup
Seoul shares gain as exporters rise; banks fall
American: $2 billion income for JAL from alliance
Pakistani c.bank buys 18.65 bln rupees of T-bills
Pakistani c.bank to buy T-bills in 4-day reverse repo
Tobey Maguire, director won't return for 'Spider-Man 4'
S.Korea financial regulators to review forex risk
Rapper Lloyd Banks arrested in Canada
Bright Food interested in $1.4B CSR sugar division
India's Infosys reports Q3 drop in net profit
2 of 3 Dixie Chicks returning with new music
PAKISTAN
Ke$ha to end Boyle's run atop U.S. album chart
Philippines: exports rebound after 10-month fall
New "24" finds Jack Bauer smiling. But not for long
Seoul shares fall on financials; eyes on won
Maguire, Raimi out of 'Spider-Man' franchise
Simon Cowell leaves Idol to launch own show
|
Sarah Palin joins Fox as a contributor
|
Return of the campaign book: 'Game Change' a hit
New 24 finds Jack Bauer smiling. But not for long
|
Watching hours of TV daily could shorten your life
Ke$ha to end Boyle's run atop U.S. album chart
|
CA appeals court overturns award in Jackson taping
Andrew Lloyd Webber urges men to get cancer tests
|
Andrew Lloyd Webber urges men to get cancer tests
Fox waits for Conan O'Brien to decide his own fate
|
Rapper Lloyd Banks arrested in Canada
|
Sony to open new chapter in Spider-Man saga
|
Mel Gibson movie relocates Mexican inmates
|
Incoming EU trade chief sees WTO deal by 2011
Pro-Iran hackers hit China search engine
Iraq says explosives seized in security operation
China's Baidu website defaced by Twitter hackers
Western, Afghan troops fire during demonstration
|
Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100
Iran accuses US, Israel of killing nuclear scientist
Iran blames U.S., Israel in killing of scientist
Mass car bomb threats prompt Baghdad lockdown
Israel snubs Turkish ambassador in public
Yemen starts talks with kidnappers, violence flares
|
Iran confirms nuclear scientist killed in bomb blast
Blair vowed military support if Iraq diplomacy failed
|
Nigerian president ends silence, says recovering
|
Iran university lecturer killed in bomb blast: state TV
Iraqi forces seize explosives, arrest 25 in raids
|
Four Saudi soldiers killed near Yemen frontier: report
|
Iraq invasion had no legal backing: Dutch report
|
Fewer free countries in 2009: Freedom House
|
Dignitaries gather for Biden's mother's funeral
Obama attends funeral for VP's mother
60 ex-officers petition China's top military body
SKorea, US dismiss NKorea's peace talks proposal
Coast Guard responds to fuel spill in Alaska
Couples testify in California gay marriage trial
China plans for world's highest airport in Tibet
Khmer Rouge victims' group founded but lacks funds
Clinton seeks answer to sticky dispute with Japan
Sri Lankans demand justice for slain editor
3 Chinese arrested over factory accident in India
Saudi allegedly posed as pilot at Manila airport
Suicide is rising among young male war veterans
Google's investment arm to grow partner ranks
|
Analysis: Post-racial era yet to dawn in America
Hackers paralyze China's top search engine
eMusic inks Warner deal; plans for streaming
|
On this rare map, China is the center of the world
NATO: 13 insurgents killed by missile
China plans world's highest airport in Tibet
Forrester sees global tech spending rebound in 2010
|
Q+A: What's driving China's latest Web crackdown
|
Shanda Games buys U.S. firm to expand global presence
|
Mexican tycoon Slim's telecom empire loses luster
|
Google Nexus One phone parts cost $174: iSuppli
|
China's Baidu website defaced by Twitter hackers
|
Pakistan o/n rates ease; rupee soft; stocks down
China moves to rein in lending amid overheating fears
American, partners boost JAL support offer
S&P affirms South Korea credit rating with stable outlook
Reports: Chinese power plants running out of coal
Huadian Power plans Cambodia hydroelectric plant
Taiwan c.bank cites groups supporting capital controls
Japan shrugs off JAL tumble as Asia shares mixed
American Airlines ups ante in JAL bidding war
Pakistan c.bank lowers c/a deficit forecast
Indonesian military's 'empire' poses threat: HRW
Indonesia fails to end military businesses
Cowell departure another jolt to weakening 'Idol'
Sweden to abolish affirmative action at universities
No easy riding for Gaza bikers
Taliban bombs sap Pakistan party spirit
Australian research says TV can kill
Zemeckis finds Beatles for Yellow Submarine
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights