The Trump administration is tightening the screws on Iran over the mysterious disappearance of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The latest sanctions target three high-ranking Iranian intelligence officers allegedly responsible for the 2007 abduction of an American on foreign soil.
At a glance:
• U.S. sanctions three Iranian intelligence officers accused of involvement in Robert Levinson’s disappearance
• The sanctioned individuals include Reza Amiri Moghadam, Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, and Taqi Daneshvar
• Sanctions block U.S.-based property and prohibit Americans from transactions with them
• Levinson disappeared in March 2007 while investigating corruption involving a former Iranian president
• FBI Director Kash Patel vows investigation will continue as America seeks accountability
Iran’s Intelligence Officers Targeted by Treasury Department
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on three Iranian intelligence officials for their alleged involvement in the disappearance and presumed death of former FBI agent Robert Levinson. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, and Taqi Daneshvar all served in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security during Levinson’s 2007 abduction on Iran’s Kish Island. The move comes at a tense time when America and Iran have indulged in a war of words and exchanged threats as President Trump warns the Islamic nation it will be held responsible for attacks by its proxy groups, including the Houthi terrorists attacking ships in the Red Sea.
The sanctions require any property belonging to these individuals under U.S. jurisdiction to be blocked, and Americans are generally prohibited from conducting business with them. Foreign individuals or entities also risk being blacklisted if they engage in transactions with them.
U.S. Officials Condemn Iran’s Actions
“Iran’s treatment of Mr. Levinson remains a blight on Iran’s already grim record of human rights abuse,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “The Department of the Treasury will continue to work with U.S. government partners to identify those responsible and shine a light on their abhorrent behavior.”
The sanctioned individuals are specifically accused of involvement in Levinson’s abduction, detention, probable death, and the subsequent cover-up of Iran’s responsibility. The latest action follows previous sanctions imposed in December 2020 against two other Iranian officials for their alleged role in the Levinson case.
FBI Director Kash Patel stressed that the Bureau’s investigation remains active despite the years that have passed since Levinson’s disappearance. “We will pursue all options to hold Iran accountable,” Patel stated.
Ongoing Tensions Between U.S. and Iran
The sanctions are based on an executive order originally signed by former President Joe Biden targeting terrorist organizations and malicious actors. President Trump’s administration is maintaining pressure on Iran through these sanctions despite recent overtures for potential nuclear talks.
Levinson, who would now be 76 years old, disappeared in March 2007 while working on an unauthorized CIA mission investigating corruption. His family received proof-of-life photos and videos in 2010 and 2011, but intelligence assessments later concluded he likely died in Iranian custody. Iran continues to deny any knowledge of his whereabouts.
