View source for Disappearance of Robert Levinson

{{short description|American disappearance case}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{redirect|Robert Levinson|the American lyricist|Robert Levenson}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Robert Levinson
| image              = Robert-Levinson.png
| alt                =
| caption            = Levinson while in captivity, November 2010
| birth_name         = Robert Alan Levinson<ref>{{cite web |last=Stimson |first=Brie |date=November 9, 2019 |others=The [[Associated Press]] contributed to this report |title=Iran acknowledges retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, missing since 2007, subject of 'on going case' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-acknowledges-on-going-case-for-retired-fbi-agent-missing-since-2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211230949/https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-acknowledges-on-going-case-for-retired-fbi-agent-missing-since-2007 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=April 1, 2021 |publisher=[[Fox News]]}}</ref>
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1948|03|10}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/robert-a-levinson|title=ROBERT A. LEVINSON|website=Federal Bureau of Investigation|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-date=March 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323210917/http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/robert-a-levinson|url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_place        = [[Flushing, New York]], U.S.
| disappeared_date   = {{Disappeared date and age|2007|03|09|1948|03|10}}
| disappeared_place  = [[Kish Island]], Iran
| disappeared_status = {{Missing for|2007|03|09}}; [[Declared death in absentia|declared dead ''in absentia'']] on {{death date and age|2020|3|25|1948|3|10}}<ref name="dead"/>
| other_names        =
| occupation         = Federal agent
| years_active       =
| known_for          = Disappearance in Iran
| notable_works      =
| module             = {{Infobox|child=yes
| label1 = Perpetrators
| data1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Ministry of Intelligence (Iran).svg}} [[Iranian Ministry of Intelligence]] <small>(alleged by the U.S., denied by Iran)</small>
| label2 = Accused
| data2 = {{ublist|Mohammad Baseri|Ahmad Khazai}}
| label3 = Contact
| data3 = {{official website|https://helpboblevinson.com/}}
}}
}}
'''Robert Alan''' "'''Bob'''" '''Levinson''' (March 10, 1948 – presumed death before March 25, 2020) was an American former [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (1970–1976) and [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (1976–1998) agent who disappeared on March 9, 2007, in [[Kish Island]], [[Iran]], while on a mission for the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (1998–2007). Levinson's family received a $2.5 million [[annuity]] from the CIA in order to stop a lawsuit revealing details of his work in Iran and to forestall any revelation of details regarding the arrangement between Levinson and the agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/ee9eb08ce68c4f6ab6dba43da5cc398d|title=Iran calls ex-FBI agent's case a 'missing person' file|date=November 11, 2019|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=November 16, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115505/https://apnews.com/ee9eb08ce68c4f6ab6dba43da5cc398d|url-status=live}}</ref>
He is believed to have been held captive by the [[Government of Iran]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/ex-fbi-agent-who-went-missing-in-iran-was-on-rogue-mission-for-cia/2013/12/12/f5de6084-637b-11e3-a373-0f9f2d1c2b61_story_1.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|first=Adam|last=Goldman|title=National Security|date=December 13, 2013|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326131301/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/ex-fbi-agent-who-went-missing-in-iran-was-on-rogue-mission-for-cia/2013/12/12/f5de6084-637b-11e3-a373-0f9f2d1c2b61_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Intrigue Surrounds Former FBI Agent Who Disappeared in Iran Two Months Ago|url=http://legacy.utsandiego.com/news/nation/20070510-1037-iran-missing.html|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|author=Pat Milton|agency=Associated Press|date=May 10, 2007|access-date=January 8, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222233/http://legacy.utsandiego.com/news/nation/20070510-1037-iran-missing.html|archive-date=December 2, 2013}}</ref> while Iran does not acknowledge his arrest. According to his family, he suffered from [[type 1 diabetes]], [[gout]], and [[hypertension]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.foxnews.com/v/2214047211001/son-of-captured-american-pleads-for-fathers-release/|title=Son of captured American pleads for father's release|date=February 3, 2017|publisher=Fox News|access-date=March 25, 2013|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115508/http://video.foxnews.com/v/2214047211001/son-of-captured-american-pleads-for-fathers-release/|url-status=live}}</ref> His passport has never shown up in any other country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailypress.com/2007/09/30/family-asks-for-help-locating-man-possibly-missing-in-iran/|title=Family Asks For Help Locating Man Possibly Missing In Iran|work=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]]|date=September 30, 2007|access-date=March 25, 2013|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927200910/http://articles.dailypress.com/2007-09-30/news/0709290237_1_iranian-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-william-and-mary-americans-hostage|url-status=live}}</ref>
On March 25, 2020, Levinson's family announced his presumed death on the advisement of the U.S. government, and although the date is unknown, it is assumed that he died while in Iranian custody.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-bob-levinson-dead-government-says-20201214-gvr6pthpxzexvdkldwfvzzlkpi-story.html|title=Bob Levinson of Coral Springs died in Iranian custody, US government says|first=Anthony|last=Man|website=sun-sentinel.com|date=December 14, 2020|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817011513/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-bob-levinson-dead-government-says-20201214-gvr6pthpxzexvdkldwfvzzlkpi-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 14, 2020, two employees of the [[Ministry of Intelligence (Iran)|Iranian Ministry of Intelligence]], Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai, were sanctioned by the [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Treasury Department]] in connection with the kidnapping.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=December 14, 2020 |title=U.S. blacklists two Iranian officials over Levinson disappearance |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/iran-usa-sanctions-int-idUSKBN28O22H |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531050947/https://www.reuters.com/article/iran-usa-sanctions-int-idUSKBN28O22H |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Disappearance==
U.S. officials believed Levinson had been arrested by Iranian intelligence officials to be interrogated and used as a bargaining chip in negotiations. However, as leads fizzled out and the Iranian government repeatedly denied any involvement in his disappearance, speculation arose that Levinson was dead.<ref name="family">{{cite news|title=Missing ex-FBI agent Robert Levinson in hostage video: 'Help me'|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1209/Missing-ex-FBI-agent-Robert-Levinson-in-hostage-video-Help-me-Video|agency=Associated Press|date=December 9, 2011|access-date=May 15, 2016|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115433/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1209/Missing-ex-FBI-agent-Robert-Levinson-in-hostage-video-Help-me-Video|url-status=live}}</ref> He was last seen alive in photographs from April 2011, wearing an orange jumpsuit and holding signs in broken English, apparently written by his captors, asking for help.<ref name=Alive />
On December 12, 2013, the [[Associated Press]] (AP) reported that their investigations revealed that Levinson indeed had been working for the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA), contradicting the U.S. government's statement that he was not an employee of the government at the time of his capture; U.S. officials had publicly insisted that Levinson went to Iran as a private investigator, working a cigarette-smuggling case.<ref>{{citation|title=White House: Robert Levinson not a government employee|publisher=BBC News|date=December 13, 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25373010|access-date=December 13, 2013|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411070352/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25373010|url-status=live}}</ref> The AP had first confirmed Levinson's CIA ties in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Missing American in Iran was working for CIA|agency=Associated Press|date=December 12, 2013|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/robert-levinson-cia-missing-iran-101107.html|access-date=December 12, 2013|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216092537/http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/robert-levinson-cia-missing-iran-101107.html?|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/world/middleeast/a-disappearing-american-spy-and-the-cia.html|title=A Disappearing Spy, and a Scandal at the C.I.A.|first=Barry|last=Meier|work=The New York Times|date=December 13, 2013|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=August 11, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115513/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/world/middleeast/a-disappearing-american-spy-and-the-cia.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was on an unauthorized mission to gather intelligence about the Iranian government for the U.S. government. When his case came to light inside the U.S. government, it produced a serious scandal.<ref name="auto" /> Levinson's travel was planned by three CIA officials who did not follow the proper vetting process or seek the necessary approval for the mission from their supervisors. Kish Island in the Persian Gulf is a tourist destination, a stronghold of international [[organized crime]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/robert-levinson-war-fuer-die-cia-in-iran-und-wurde-2007-entfuehrt-a-938799.html|title=Fall Robert Levinson: In Iran vermisster US-Bürger arbeitete für CIA|newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=December 13, 2013|via=Spiegel Online|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115516/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/robert-levinson-war-fuer-die-cia-in-iran-und-wurde-2007-entfuehrt-a-938799.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and a free-trade zone, meaning Americans do not need a visa to enter. In 2008 the CIA forced the CIA officials to turn in early resignations and disciplined seven others after an internal investigation determined they were responsible for sending Levinson on the mission to Iran. Levinson's source on Kish was [[Dawud Salahuddin]], an American fugitive accused of the killing of the prominent former Iranian diplomat [[Ali Akbar Tabatabaei]] in 1980. The exiled Tabatabaei was holding meetings of a counter-revolutionary group at his US home at the time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mackey|first=Robert|title=Just Another American Hit Man, Actor and Journalist Living in Iran|url=http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/just-another-american-hit-man-actor-and-journalist-living-in-iran|access-date=February 17, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 16, 2009|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331120033/http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/just-another-american-hit-man-actor-and-journalist-living-in-iran|url-status=live}}</ref>
What Levinson wanted in that mission remains altogether unclear. Levinson had retired from the FBI in 1998 and had become self-employed as a private investigator; his specialty was Russian organized crime gangs, and he was even interviewed numerous times for television documentaries to discuss the topic. Both Levinson and the CIA analyst who hired him, Anne Jablonski, specialized in Russian organized crime and not Iranian issues.<ref name="nyt13dec">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/world/middleeast/a-disappearing-american-spy-and-the-cia.html|title=A Disappearing Spy, and a scandal at the C.I.A. - nytimes.com|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 13, 2013|access-date=August 11, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115513/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/world/middleeast/a-disappearing-american-spy-and-the-cia.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In an interview, Iranian President [[Hassan Rouhani]] spoke of cooperation regarding Levinson's case. "We are willing to help, and all the intelligence services in the region can come together to gather information about him to find his whereabouts."<ref name="cnn12dec">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/28/us/iran-detained-americans/index.html|title=U.S. official: Obama, Rouhani discussed fate of three Americans - CNN.com|publisher=Edition.cnn.com|date=September 28, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2013|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115502/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/28/us/iran-detained-americans/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Alleged Iranian involvement===
On January 8, 2013, the Associated Press reported that "the consensus now among some U.S. officials involved in the case is that despite years of denials, Iran's intelligence service was almost certainly behind the 54-second video and five photographs of Levinson that were emailed anonymously to his family. 'The [[tradecraft]] used to send those items was too good, indicating professional spies were behind them', the officials said&nbsp;... While everything dealing with Iran is murky, their conclusion is based on the U.S. government's best intelligence analysis."<ref name = "AP">{{cite news|title=US sees Iran behind hostage photos of ex-FBI agent|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/us-sees-iran-behind-hostage-photos-ex-fbi-agent|publisher=PAP|date=January 9, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112143755/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/us-sees-iran-behind-hostage-photos-ex-fbi-agent|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Family investigation==
Media reported in August 2007 that Christine, Levinson's wife, was planning a trip to [[Iran]] with their oldest son, Dan. The [[United States Department of State]] stressed that there was a travel warning to that country and they would be doing so at their own risk.<ref name = "IHT">{{cite news|title=U.S. woman plans trip to Iran to search for missing former FBI agent husband|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/02/america/NA-GEN-US-Iran-Missing-Man.php|newspaper=International Herald Tribune|date=August 2, 2007|access-date=August 6, 2007|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115443/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/02/america/NA-GEN-US-Iran-Missing-Man.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran announced on September 23, 2007, that they would be allowed to visit the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iran: Missing American's family can visit|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/09/23/iran.levinson/|work=[[CNN]]|date=September 23, 2007|access-date=August 8, 2008|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115447/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/09/23/iran.levinson/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In December 2007, Christine and Dan traveled to Iran to attempt to learn more about Levinson's disappearance. They met with Iranian officials in [[Tehran]] and traveled to Robert's hotel in Kish, the Hotel Maryam.<ref>{{cite news|title=In Iran, Search for American Yields Little|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/world/middleeast/24iran.html|work=New York Times|date=December 24, 2007|first=Nazila|last=Fathi|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115448/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/world/middleeast/24iran.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Airport officials allowed Christine and Dan to view the flight manifests for all flights leaving Kish during the time Levinson was due to leave, but his name did not appear on any of the lists provided. They were also able to view Levinson's signature from the hotel check-out bill on March 9. Iranian officials promised to provide an investigative report to the family, but have yet to do so.<ref>{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Levinson|title=Missing a Father in Iran|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/20/AR2008062002274.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|page=B07|date=June 22, 2008|access-date=August 8, 2008|archive-date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202195154/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/20/AR2008062002274.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2008 and subsequent interviews, Christine and Dan said they wanted to travel to Iran again soon.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wife of ex-FBI agent to repeat Iran visit in search of her husband|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jul/1147.html|work=Payvand|date=July 15, 2008|access-date=August 8, 2008|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115455/http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jul/1147.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Proof of life===
According to the [[Associated Press]], Levinson's family received "irrefutable proof" of life late in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |author=ADAM GOLDMAN and MATT APUZZO Associated Press |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13049751 |title=Years After Vanishing in Iran, US Man Proven Alive - ABC News |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=March 3, 2011 |access-date=December 9, 2011 |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211740/http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13049751 |url-status=live }}</ref>  On December 9, 2011, the family released a hostage video they received in November 2010. In the video, Robert appears to have lost considerable weight, and repeatedly pleads for help in returning home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70183.html|title=Robert Levinson, missing ex-FBI agent in hostage video: 'Help me'|website=[[Politico]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=December 9, 2011|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date=January 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107211450/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70183.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On January 8, 2013, Levinson's family released photos to the media showing the former agent in an orange jumpsuit with overgrown and unkempt hair. A family spokesman told CNN the photographs were received in April 2011.  CNN reported: "Asked why the family is releasing the images now, more than 18 months later, the spokesman said: 'The family is anxious that not enough is being done. There is frustration with the lack of progress on the case.'"<ref name=Alive>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/08/us/iran-missing-fbi-agent/index.html|title=Family releases photos of captive American|publisher=CNN.com|date=January 10, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2013|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115434/http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/08/us/iran-missing-fbi-agent/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==U.S. government investigation==
[[File:President Barack Obama meets with Christine Levinson in the Oval Office on March 6, 2012.jpg|thumb|left|President [[Barack Obama]] meets with Christine Levinson in the [[Oval Office]] on March 6, 2012]]
In June 2007, President [[George W. Bush]] released a statement on Levinson's case, saying: "I am ... disturbed by the Iranian regime's refusal so far to provide any information on Robert Levinson, despite repeated U.S. requests. I call on Iran's leaders to tell us what they know about his whereabouts."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2007-12-22/world/iran.levinson_1_robert-levinson-christine-levinson-iranian-officials?_s=PM:WORLD|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410171705/http://articles.cnn.com/2007-12-22/world/iran.levinson_1_robert-levinson-christine-levinson-iranian-officials?_s=PM:WORLD|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2013|work=CNN|title=No 'miracle' for American missing in Iran|date=December 22, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070601-10.html|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|title=Statement by the President on Detention of American Citizens by the Iranian Regime|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|date=June 1, 2007|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115533/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070601-10.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On January 13, 2009, U.S. Senator [[Bill Nelson]] revealed during [[Hillary Clinton]]'s confirmation hearing that he believed Robert Levinson was being held in a secret prison in Iran. "The door has been closed at every turn," Nelson said during Clinton's confirmation hearing. "We think he is being held by the government of Iran in a secret prison."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/senator-says-former-fbi-agent-who-vanished-in-2007-is-in-secret-iran-prison|work=Fox News|title=Senator Says Former FBI Agent Who Vanished in 2007 Is in Secret Iran Prison|date=January 13, 2009|access-date=January 14, 2009|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115456/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479842,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', Levinson had been meeting with [[Dawud Salahuddin]], (an American convert to Islam wanted for the 1980 murder of an Iranian dissident in the US) "just before he went missing".<ref name="hitman">{{cite web|url=http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/just-another-american-hit-man-actor-and-journalist-living-in-iran/?hp|title=Just Another American Hit Man, Actor and Journalist Living in Iran|first=Robert|last=Mackey|date=September 16, 2009|access-date=September 17, 2009|archive-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923191609/http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/just-another-american-hit-man-actor-and-journalist-living-in-iran/?hp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSBLA33261120070413|title=Former FBI agent held in Iran: report|work=Reuters|date=April 13, 2007|access-date=July 1, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114232430/https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSBLA33261120070413|url-status=live}}</ref>
On March 8, 2013, the [[Obama administration]] released a statement to mark the sixth anniversary of Levinson's disappearance. Press Secretary Jay Carney said:
<blockquote>Finding him remains a high priority for the United States, and we will continue to do all that we can to bring him home safely to his friends and family, so they may begin to heal after so many years of extraordinary grief and uncertainty.
The Iranian Government previously offered assistance in locating Mr. Levinson and we look forward to receiving this assistance, even as we disagree on other key issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/03/08/statement-press-secretary-robert-levinson|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|title=Statement by the Press Secretary on Robert Levinson|date=8 March 2013|access-date=March 2, 2021|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115523/http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/03/08/statement-press-secretary-robert-levinson|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>
Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] also met with Levinson's wife and son "to reiterate that the U.S. government remains committed to locating Mr. Levinson and reuniting him safely with his family".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-kerry-levinson-idUSBRE9271B020130308|title=John Kerry meets with family of ex-FBI agent missing in Iran|work=Reuters|date=March 8, 2013|access-date=July 5, 2021|archive-date=May 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518012812/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-kerry-levinson-idUSBRE9271B020130308|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the Obama–Rouhani phone call on September 27, 2013, the first communication between the presidents of the two countries in 34 years, President Obama noted his concern about Levinson's disappearance to Rouhani, and expressed his interest in seeing him reunited with his family.<ref name="cnn12dec" />
===2015 United States Senate resolution===
On May 11, 2015, the [[United States Senate]] voted on [[concurrent resolution]] 16 for the release of Robert Levinson, which passed in a unanimous decision without amendment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/senate-passes-resolution-for-release-of-americans-in-iran/2015/05/11/fad52814-f82d-11e4-a47c-e56f4db884ed_story.html|title=Senate Passes Resolution for Release of Americans in Iran|author= Deb Riechmann|date=May 11, 2015|via=washingtonpost.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528230412/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/senate-passes-resolution-for-release-of-americans-in-iran/2015/05/11/fad52814-f82d-11e4-a47c-e56f4db884ed_story.html|archive-date=May 28, 2015}}</ref> This resolution states that it is U.S. policy that: (1) the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran should immediately release [[Saeed Abedini]], [[Amir Hekmati]], and [[Jason Rezaian]], and cooperate with the U.S. government to locate and return Robert Levinson; and (2) the U.S. government should undertake every effort using every diplomatic tool at its disposal to secure their release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-concurrent-resolution/16|title=S.Con.Res.16 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): A concurrent resolution stating the policy of the United States regarding the release of United States citizens in Iran.|first=Risch|last=James|date=May 20, 2015|website=www.congress.gov|access-date=May 28, 2015|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115527/https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-concurrent-resolution/16|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Sanctions ===
On December 14, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned two employees of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) in connection with the kidnapping.<ref name=":0" /> U.S. officials said they had obtained new information about their involvement in Levinson's disappearance but refused to provide further details.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Crowley |first=Michael |date=December 14, 2020 |title=U.S. Imposes Sanctions on 2 Iranian Officials in Robert Levinson Case |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/14/us/politics/iran-robert-levinson-sanctions.html |access-date=May 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531055858/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/14/us/politics/iran-robert-levinson-sanctions.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Mohammad Baseri, a high-ranking MOIS employee codenamed "Sanai", is allegedly involved in sensitive Iranian national security investigations and is alleged to have worked with foreign intelligence services to harm U.S. interests.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2023 |title=Treasury Sanctions Senior Iranian Intelligence Officers Involved in the Abduction and Detention of Robert Levinson |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1210 |access-date=May 31, 2023 |website=U.S. Department of the Treasury |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran-related Designations |url=https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20201214 |access-date=May 31, 2023 |website=Office of Foreign Assets Control |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531052002/https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20201214 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ahmad Khazai, a senior officer of the MOIS, has previously led MOIS delegations to other countries in threat assessment missions.<ref name=":1" /> According to the Treasury Department, Baseri and Khazai were involved in the abduction, detention, and probable death of Levinson.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />
===Reward===
[[File:Robert Levinson Reward.pdf|thumb|right|$20 million reward poster to help find Robert Levinson.]]
On March 6, 2012, approaching the fifth anniversary of Robert Levinson's captivity, the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] offered a $1-million reward for information leading to his safe recovery and return. In addition, a campaign was launched, using billboards, radio messages, flyers, and a telephone hotline to publicize this reward and obtain information of his whereabouts.<ref name="$1 Million Reward Offered for Missing Retired FBI Agent">{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2012/march/levinson/levinson|title=FBI — $1 Million Reward Offered for Missing Retired Agent|publisher=Fbi.gov|access-date=March 7, 2012|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115529/https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2012/march/levinson/levinson|url-status=live}}</ref> In conjunction with this announced reward, the [[Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation]] announced that it was giving the two youngest Levinson children $5,000 each to help with their college costs.<ref name="$1 Million Reward Offered for Missing Retired FBI Agent" />
On March 9, 2015, the FBI increased the reward to up to $5 million for information regarding Levinson's whereabouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/washingtondc/press-releases/2015/eight-year-anniversary-of-the-disappearance-of-robert-a.-levinson?utm_campaign|title=FBI — Eight Year Anniversary of the Disappearance of Robert A. Levinson|work=FBI|access-date=July 28, 2016|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115530/https://www.fbi.gov/washingtondc/press-releases/2015/eight-year-anniversary-of-the-disappearance-of-robert-a.-levinson?utm_campaign|url-status=live}}</ref>
On November 4, 2019, the [[United States Department of State]] [[Rewards for Justice Program]] offered a $20-million reward for information leading to Levinson's whereabouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc/news/press-releases/fbi-washington-field-office-statement-on-robert-a-levinson-and-the-department-of-state-rewards-for-justice-announcement|title=FBI Washington Field Office Statement on Robert A. Levinson and the Department of State Rewards for Justice Announcement — FBI|website=www.fbi.gov|access-date=November 22, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115531/https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc/news/press-releases/fbi-washington-field-office-statement-on-robert-a-levinson-and-the-department-of-state-rewards-for-justice-announcement|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Statements from Iran==
===Mahmoud Ahmadinejad===
Pressed by [[Charlie Rose]] in an interview for ''[[CBS This Morning]]'' in September 2012, then-[[Iranian President]] [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] "did not deny Iran still has Levinson in its custody, and hinted that there had been talks about a prisoner exchange". Rose asked, "Is there anything that could happen, a trade or something, that could allow him to come back to the United States?" Ahmadinejad responded:
<blockquote>I remember that last year Iranian and American intelligence groups had a meeting, but I haven't followed up on it. I thought they'd come to some kind of an agreement.</blockquote>
CBS' John Miller said that "tacit admission that he's in their custody and that there have been talks", in and of itself, "is a big step".<ref name = "CBS This Morning">{{cite news | title = Mahmoud Ahmadinejad drops clue about Robert Levinson, ex-FBI agent who vanished 5 years ago in Iran | url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mahmoud-ahmadinejad-drops-clue-about-robert-levinson-ex-fbi-agent-who-vanished-5-years-ago-in-iran/ | work = CBS News | date = September 25, 2012 | access-date = September 1, 2024 | archive-date = February 19, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220219015045/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mahmoud-ahmadinejad-drops-clue-about-robert-levinson-ex-fbi-agent-who-vanished-5-years-ago-in-iran/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
In a 2008 interview with [[NBC]]'s [[Brian Williams]], Ahmadinejad was questioned regarding Levinson's case and its status. He responded:
<blockquote>There was a claim made some time ago, some people came over, the gentleman's family came over. They talked and met with our officials and were given our responses. I see no reason for a person who was given an Iranian visa and — came into Iran, arrived in Iran through official channels, to have problems here. Our security officials and agents have expressed their willingness to assist the FBI, if the FBI has any information about his travels around the world.
We have said that we are ready to help, to assist with that matter. There are certain informations that only the FBI at the moment has. I am not an expert in that field, as you might appreciate, so I'm not going to make a judgment here whether that information, as they say, is true and only held by the FBI or other parties for that matter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25887437 |title=Transcript: 'Response ... will be a positive one' |access-date=2008-08-08 |date=July 28, 2008 |format=[[NBC Nightly News]] |work=NBC News |archive-date=March 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331115526/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25887437 |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>
===Hassan Rouhani===
In an interview with CNN's [[Christiane Amanpour]] during her trip to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2013, Iranian President [[Hassan Rouhani]] spoke of cooperation regarding Levinson's case. "We are willing to help, and all the intelligence services in the region can come together to gather information about him to find his whereabouts", Rouhani told Amanpour, "and we're willing to cooperate on that".<ref name="cnn12dec" />
In a subsequent interview with [[Charlie Rose]], Rouhani said, "As to where his whereabouts when he disappeared, I personally have no information on those details, but naturally when someone disappears their family is suffering in specific.  Everyone must help.  It's natural that everyone must help".<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJaasDOpHsI|title=Charlie Rose asks Rouhani about Robert Levinson|publisher=YouTube|date=September 27, 2013|author=mwolda|access-date=December 12, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927154554/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJaasDOpHsI|archive-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref>
=== United Nations filing ===
In a filing to the United Nations' [[UN Working Group against Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances|Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances]], Iran's embassy in Geneva, citing Tehran's Justice Department, claimed that Levinson had an "ongoing case in the Public Prosecution and Revolutionary Court of Tehran".<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=November 9, 2019 |title=For First Time, Iran Says Case Is Open on Missing C.I.A. Consultant |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/09/world/middleeast/iran-robert-levinson.html |access-date=May 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531055855/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/09/world/middleeast/iran-robert-levinson.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Revolutionary Court of Tehran usually handles cases of espionage, smuggling, blasphemy and attempts to overthrow Iran's government.<ref name=":3" />
==Reported death==
In March 2020, it was reported that Levinson's family and the United States government had concluded that it was likely that Levinson had died in Iranian custody before 2020.<ref name="dead">{{Cite news|last=Goldman|first=Adam|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/us/politics/robert-levinson-cia-iran.html|title=Ex-F.B.I. Agent Who Vanished on C.I.A. Mission to Iran Is Likely Dead, U.S. Concludes|date=March 25, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 25, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331120039/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/us/politics/robert-levinson-cia-iran.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On October 5, 2020, a US Court ordered the [[Government of Iran]] to pay more than $1.4 billion in punitive and compensatory damages to Levinson's family. The money that will be paid to Levinson's family will come from [[Iranian frozen assets|Iranian assets that were frozen in 1980 by the US]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Hosenball |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hosenball |date=October 5, 2020 |editor-last=Gregorio |editor-first=David |others=Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay |title=U.S. court orders Iran to pay $1.4 billion in damages to missing former FBI agent's family |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN26Q2YH |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401184454/https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN26Q2YH |archive-date=April 1, 2021 |access-date=April 1, 2021 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>
==See also==
{{portal|Biography|Iran|United States}}
*[[List of people who disappeared mysteriously: 1990–present|List of people who disappeared]]
{{clear}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://www.facebook.com/helpboblevinson/ Help Bob Levinson] on [[Facebook]]
*[http://helpboblevinson.com/ Help Bob Levinson]
*[https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/robert-a-levinson Bob Levinson wanted poster] [[FBI|FBI web site]], retrieved November 2019.
{{Authority control}}
{{Iran–United States relations}}
{{List of foreign nationals detained in Iran}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Levinson, Robert}}
[[Category:2000s missing person cases]]
[[Category:Iran–United States relations]]
[[Category:Missing person cases in Iran]]
[[Category:Kidnappings in Iran]]
[[Category:Foreign nationals detained in Iran]]