US sanctions two Iranian officials over disappearance of former FBI agent
WASHINGTON - The United States on Monday imposed sanctions against two Iranian intelligence officials for their alleged roles over the disappearance of former FBI agent Robert Levinson. The Treasury Department said in a statement that it had designated two high-ranking officials of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai, accusing them of involving in the abduction, detention, and probable death of Levinson. US media reported that it is the first time the United States formally blamed Iran for the presumed death of Levinson. The statement said senior Iranian officials authorized Levinson’s abduction and detention and launched a disinformation campaign to deflect blame from the Iranian government. “The government of Iran pledged to provide assistance in bringing Bob Levinson home, but it has never followed through. The truth is that Iranian intelligence officers with the approval of senior Iranian officials were involved in Bob’s abduction and detention,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in the statement.
“While no one should be as cruelly treated as Bob was, this situation is personal because Bob served as a special agent for 22 years and will always be a part of the FBI family,” he added. According to the statement, all property and interests of the property of designated individuals in the United States have been blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from transactions with them. In addition, any foreign financial institution that facilitates a significant transaction with them could be subject to sanctions. Levinson went missing on Iran’s Kish Island in 2007. Press reports said the US Central Intelligence Agency paid him to gather intelligence inside Iran, while Tehran has repeatedly denied it is holding the American.
(Xinhua)