Iran: How I Suddenly Disappeared on Press TV

This afternoon, I was called by a very nice production assistant from Press TV in Tehran, who asked if I would contribute to their evening News Analysis at 1830 GMT, discussing Iran's nuclear programme. I have had appeared unedited on Press TV on numerous occasions, so I agreed. I learned that another guest would be Dr Seyed Mohammad Marandi of the University of Tehran, with whom I have worked since 2001.

Just before 1830, the production assistant rang. I did the soundcheck --- "Hello, I'm Scott Lucas, speaking to you from Birmingham in the United Kingdom". She was about to put me through to studio and then suddenly said, "I'll have to call you back."

I thought this might be a technical issue of the line but, as the clock reached 1830 GMT, I wondered. I went downstairs and flipped on Press TV.

At 1840 GMT, after the presenter's introduction of the topic, I had the eerie experience of watching her say:

On this programme, we ask our guests, "Iran's Nuclear Achievements: A National Pride and Right or  aPolitical Aggression?"

Joining me to answer that question --- in the studio here, we have the head of the North American Studies Department at Tehran University, Professor Mohammad Marandi. We also have from the Middle East programme at Chatham House, Yossi Mekelberg, from London. And Professor of American Studies at the University of Birmingham, Professor Scott Lucas, on the phone.

I checked. Dial tone on the landline, mobile working. But no sign of an incoming call.

Three minutes later, after the opening statements of Marandi and Mekelberg, eerie turned to comic:

We've got the point there, Professor Lucas (I checked both phones again --- nothing), what Mr Mekelberg is saying. Oh sorry, Dr Shah....Do we not have Professor Lucas, can I just confirm this? No. We're going to go over to Dr Saeb Shaath on the phone from Belfast. Apologies there for introducing you incorrectly.

The very nice production assistant never did call back.