The family of a former Iranian defense official has denied that he defected to the West.

Speaking to state media in Tehran, Elham Asghari, the daughter of Ali Reza Asghari accused Israel and the United States of abducting her father.

Family of Former Iranian Official Denies He Defected

Asghari's wife Ziba Ahmadi said her husband had an olive oil business in Syria, and vanished in December while on a trip to Turkey.

Family of Former Iranian Official Denies He Defected

Before retiring from the government, Asghari was a deputy defense minister and a commander in the elite Revolutionary Guards.

Family of Former Iranian Official Denies He Defected

Last week, an Arab newspaper, reported that Asghari is currently in northern Europe, being debriefed by American intelligence, before flying to the U.S.

Western reports suggested that Asghari defected.

An American newspaper, , citing a U.S. official, said Asghari is providing information on Lebanon's Hezbollah militia.