US sanctions on three Iranians accused in relation to cover-up and probable death of Bob Levinson
The US has imposed sanctions on three Iranian intelligence officers for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, the Treasury and State departments said in news releases on Tuesday.
The sanctions against Reza Amiri Moghadam, Gholamhossein Mohammadnia and Taqi Daneshvar of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security are the latest linked to the disappearance of the former FBI agent, who Washington believes was abducted in Iran and died in captivity.
As a result of the sanctions, any property of the men under US jurisdiction must be blocked and Americans are generally barred from dealing with them. Foreign citizens could also be blacklisted for dealing with them.
'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 US government partners to identify those responsible and shine a light on their abhorrent behaviour.'
Mr Levinson, who was working as a private investigator, disappeared in March 2007 after travelling to an island controlled by Iran for a meeting seeking information on alleged corruption involving former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
The three sanctioned people all played a role in Mr Levinson's abduction, detention and probable death, as well as efforts to cover up Iran's responsibility, the Treasury Department said.
'Today's action by our partners at the Department of the Treasury demonstrates that we continue to work together to identify additional Iranian officers involved in Bob's abduction,' said FBI Director Kash Patel. 'Our investigation continues. We will pursue all options to hold Iran accountable. The FBI will not waver in our commitment to provide answers to the Levinson family about what happened to Bob.'
The sanctions are being imposed under an executive order signed by former president Joe Biden, which seeks to hold to account terrorist organisations, criminal groups and other "malicious actors" who take hostages for financial or political gain.
The US imposed sanctions on two other Iranian officials in December 2020, accusing them of involvement in Mr Levinson's disappearance. Since 2019, the State Department has offered a reward of up to $20 million for information leading to his location, recovery and return, and the identification of those responsible for his disappearance.
Iran has refused to admit culpability for his disappearance, but in 2020, a US judge ruled that Iran was responsible and ordered Tehran to pay damages of $1.46 billion to Mr Levinson's family.
In a statement to The National in 2023, his family said they were "still without answers" and that "those responsible for this heinous crime have still faced no consequences for their actions".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
4 hours ago
- Al Etihad
EU can build new partnerships while maintaining strong US ties: Foreign policy chief
11 June 2025 20:46 BRUSSELS (WAM)The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, has said that the European Union (EU) remains committed to its transatlantic relationship with the US, but this should not prevent the bloc from forging new global at the German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum 2025, Kallas said while the EU continues to value its relationship with Washington, Europe must also seize emerging opportunities to diversify its global alliances."We still value the relationship with what we have with the Americans. But it doesn't mean that we can't build other relationships," she EU official emphasised that Europe is seen as a reliable and predictable partner by many countries around the world, presenting a "unique opportunity window" for the EU to strengthen its geopolitical rejected the idea that Europe is drifting away from the US, instead describing the evolution of their relationship as a sign of maturity."We are with the Americans, not growing apart, but growing up in our relationship," she said. "We have other friends. We have additional friends."
Arabian Post
9 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Trump Heralds 'Done' Trade Deal With China on Rare Earths
Donald Trump has declared on social media that the United States and China have finalised a trade agreement, pending formal sign-off from both himself and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The accord ensures China will supply rare earth minerals and magnets 'up front' to the U.S., while the U.S. will honour its commitments, including allowing Chinese students to study at American universities. Trump also highlighted a tariff arrangement favouring the U.S., imposing a total of 55 per cent, against China's 10 per cent. Negotiators in London laid the groundwork for this framework during two days of discussions aimed at restoring the Geneva truce first reached in May, which had faltered amid export restrictions on critical minerals. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described the outcome as putting 'meat on the bones' of the Geneva agreement by addressing China's curbs on rare earths and magnets. Both governments intend to present the framework for approval by Trump and Xi. China controls a significant share of the world's rare earth minerals, essential for manufacturing electronics, electric vehicles and defence technologies. Export licences recently granted to Chinese firms meeting U.S. demand reinforce China's commitment to the agreement. The shortage of these minerals had previously disrupted global supply chains and limited U.S. access to critical components. ADVERTISEMENT Alongside rare earth supplies, the agreement addresses educational exchanges by reaffirming that Chinese students will continue to access American universities. Trump emphasised this pledge in his social media announcement. Although the U.S. has criticised visas for students in sensitive fields, the deal appears to restore earlier norms. Trump presented the tariff structure as a win for American interests: 55 per cent U.S. tariffs versus 10 per cent Chinese tariffs. These adjustments mark a shift from the extreme tariff stances of earlier this year, which had peaked at triple-digit levels. Stock markets responded cautiously to the news: global indices displayed measured optimism as investors awaited details and official approvals. Analysts warned that markets remain fragile, with movement dependent on implementation and trust between the two nations. Beijing's participation was led by Vice Premier He Lifeng and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who conveyed the deal as a balanced step toward reviving the Geneva pact. The U.S. delegation included Commerce Secretary Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. President Trump and President Xi had previously spoken by telephone on 5 June, building momentum for these discussions. Despite this progress, experts caution that deep-seated mistrust and unresolved disputes remain. Non‑tariff barriers, such as technology export restrictions and visa policies, continue to loom. Chinese officials emphasised the deal's provisional nature, awaiting 'balanced' steps by both sides. Analyst Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group observed that while restarting the Geneva truce is a step up from breakdown, achieving a durable U.S.-China trade relationship will require sustained engagement and policy alignment. The role of rare earths as leverage underscores China's global strategic advantage. President Trump signalled confidence that approval could occur swiftly: Lutnick suggested sign-off might happen within days, as early as Wednesday or Thursday, after which implementation could begin. However, both governments have set a firm deadline of 10 August to negotiate a broader accord, before tariffs revert to higher levels. With economic growth at risk from disrupted supply chains and tense trade anomalies, both the White House and Beijing face pressure to deliver tangible results. The World Bank recently warned that heightened tariff uncertainty could drag down global growth to an estimated 2.3 per cent in 2025. While the deal hasn't resolved core security‑driven trade issues—such as semiconductor and aviation export controls—it marks a notable thaw in tensions. Trump labelled his relationship with Xi as 'excellent', while both leaders exchanged invitations for state visits, signalling a diplomatic openness that has been absent from U.S.-China relations.
Gulf Today
12 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Destructive battle
We might finally get an answer as to who runs the place, big business or big politics, with the fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Elon brought a big bucket of money to Trump's reelection campaign but as everyone knows there is no such thing as a free gift. Musk didn't get the big seat but he seemed to be the power behind the throne. Now these best buddies are sparing partners heading for the ring and one might have some extra weights hidden in their gloves. As an outsider it is interesting and perhaps entertaining but for Americans it could be a very destructive battle. It will be a goldmine for the late night comedians on TV. Why is American politics becoming an entertainment rather than a serious group trying to do the best for their country? Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
