Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The United States has announced new sanctions targeting three men who played key roles in the abduction, detention, and likely death of former FBI agent Robert Levinson.
Some shit you should know before you read: Back in March 2007, Levinson, a retired FBI special agent, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on Iran’s Kish Island. Though initially described by US officials as a private investigator pursuing a case involving cigarette smuggling and corruption, it was later revealed in 2013 that Levinson had been secretly working on an unauthorized mission for a group of CIA analysts, gathering intelligence on Iran outside official agency protocols. He was last seen meeting with Dawud Salahuddin, an American fugitive living in Iran, who later claimed Iranian authorities took Levinson. For years, Iran denied knowledge of his whereabouts, but in 2010, a hostage-style video and photos surfaced, showing Levinson in captivity—appearing in bad health and pleading for help. Despite repeated efforts from the US government and Levinson’s family, no progress was made on his release. In 2020, US officials formally concluded that Levinson had likely died in Iranian custody, a determination supported by classified intelligence and analysis. His body has never been recovered, and Iran has refused to provide a clear account of what happened to him, instead deflecting blame and offering conflicting explanations.
What’s going on now: In an announcement, the Treasury Department, in coordination with the FBI, imposed sanctions on three senior officials from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) for their direct roles in the abduction, prolonged detention, and probable death of Robert Levinson. The individuals targeted include Reza Amiri Moghadam, Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, and Taqi Daneshvar—all of whom are accused of participating in or covering up Levinson’s disappearance and Iran’s involvement in the case.
Reza Amiri Moghadam has been identified as a high-ranking MOIS operations chief with oversight of MOIS agents in Europe and is currently serving as Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan. He allegedly played a senior role in managing the Levinson case and is accused of deliberately misleading international efforts to investigate the disappearance.
Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, Iran’s former ambassador to Albania, was expelled from the country in 2018 for endangering national security. According to the Treasury, Mohammadnia spearheaded a disinformation campaign to shift blame for Levinson’s captivity onto a Pakistani terrorist group, in an attempt to absolve Iran of responsibility.
Taqi Daneshvar, another MOIS officer, was directly involved in managing personnel such as Mohammad Baseri—one of the MOIS officers previously sanctioned in 2020 for their role in the case.
US official reacts: In a statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “Iran’s treatment of Mr. Levinson remains a blight on Iran’s already grim record of human rights abuse. The Department of the Treasury will continue to work with US government partners to identify those responsible and shine a light on their abhorrent behavior.”
All three officials are now subject to full US asset freezes and are prohibited from engaging in transactions with US citizens.
