Nuclear scientist or student killed in Tehran? Either way, Iran blames US, Israel
(Read article summary)If Saturday's shooting victim was connected to Iran's atomic program, his death would be the fourth killing or attempted killing of scientists linked to the country's nuclear efforts in less than two years.
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Unidentified motorcycle gunmen in Tehran shot and killed on Saturday a scientist who some linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran has denied initial local press reports that the shooting victim, Darioush Razaienejad, worked with its nuclear program. If he was associated with the program, his death would be the fourth killing or attempted killing of scientists linked to Iran’s nuclear program in less than two years.
Tehran says its program is for peaceful purposes, but the US accuses Iran of using it as cover for developing nuclear weapons. Iran has blamed Saturday’s killing on the US and Israel.
Mr. Razaienejad was shot as he was on his way to his child’s kindergarten, according to Iranian press reports. His wife, who was with him at the time, is in the hospital.
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Razaienejad was initially linked to Iran’s nuclear program by local press, before they backed away from that statement. He is now variously described in English-language Iranian press as a professor, a scientist, and a graduate student studying power and electronics.
