<br/>Iran says a nuclear scientist whose disappearance has prompted competing claims of defection and abduction is on his way home from the United States. Iranian officials are hailing the return of Shahram Amiri one day after he showed up at the Iranian interests section of the Pakistan embassy in Washington seeking refuge and repatriation.<br/><br/>Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi says the nuclear scientist should arrive in Tehran Thursday. Before arriving in Iran, he made a transit stop in Qatar. Qashqavi adds he will be welcomed on his return home.