Possibly, or it appears odd just because you are not in possession of all the facts. This was reported in the original piece:
But he was also subject to the bitter internal arguments within the Iranian regime. One news website claimed he had been forced in to report to the ministry of intelligence weekly, and that he had been tipped off that he might be subject to arrest had he returned to Tehran.
But I'm sure that if the WH will have to answer any questions regarding this man, they will surely blame eveything on Israel.
“and that he had been tipped off that he might be subject to arrest had he returned to Tehran.”
Then he made a wise decision.