UK government: Fears for Briton who vanished in Dubai

The British government is looking into the mysterious disappearance of a Dubai-based citizen, amid reports elements in Iran could be responsible.

ABU DHABI // The British government is investigating the mysterious disappearance of a British-Iranian citizen from his home in Dubai.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesman said: "A British national, Mr Abbas Yazdi, was reported missing in Dubai on June 25. We are in contact with the Dubai authorities, and are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.
"We are very concerned about Mr Yazdi's welfare."
The foreign secretary, William Hague, "raised the UK's concerns with Iranian foreign minister [Ali Akbar] Salehi in a phone call on July 31", the spokesman continued.
According to various news sources, there are fears that he may have been kidnapped, though the FCO would not specify the exact investigation.
The news agency Reuters reported a government source saying: "We believe that allegations that elements in Iran might be responsible for Mr Yazdi's disappearance are plausible, and we are taking them very seriously."
It is believed Mr Yazdi has been living in Dubai with his wife for about 10 years.
Britain is one of several western nations at odds with Iran over its nuclear programme and other security-related issues.
It shut its embassy in Tehran after an attack in November 2011. Iran's embassy in London was also closed.
 
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