Iran accuses West of luring scientists

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TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The head of Iran's nuclear organization has accused the United States and the West of attempting to lure Iranian scientists abroad.

Atomic Energy Organization chief Ali Akbar Salehi told Iran's Fars News Agency the United States and its allies are trying to stop Tehran's nuclear progress.

"When they come under pressure, the western countries resort to different methods to create problems for Iran in the field of nuclear technology, and one of the old techniques, which is now increasingly used by them is establishing contact with AEOI experts to lure them into the other countries for a better job opportunity," Salehi said.

He claimed his country has already adopted certain measures to prevent information leaks and has restricted access to data.

"Personnel had access to (all) data in the past, but it is not so today," Salehi noted. "We don't have any crucial or clandestine issue but there is no need for all the personnel to have access to all our data and information."

Salehi said his organization has tried to improve conditions for the scientists and increased their salaries.