A missing Iranian general that has been rumored to have either been kidnapped during his visit to Turkey or simply defected might be in the United States, reports Haaretz.

The pan-Arab newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat on Tuesday quoted high-profile sources as saying that Asghari left for the U.S. shortly after arriving in the Turkish capital.

Al-Sharq al-Awsat’s sources, however, claim the official was not abducted but left for the United States “along with the secrets he carried.”

This has caused Iran to allege Asghari was taken hostage, and DEBKA also reported Asghari was taken hostage by either Mossad or the CIA due to his stature in the Iranian military and what Asghari is likely to know about Iran’s nuclear program and military installations.

If Asghari has defected to the United States or defected anywhere, this would be a boon and would reveal much more about Iran’s nuclear program.  Due to reports Mossad took Asghari hostage, Israel has warned all of its embassies to remain on high alert in case of an Iranian attack.