The United States has imposed sanctions on three Iranian intelligence officers accused of involvement in the disappearance of former FBI Special Agent Robert Levinson.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury and State Departments announced sanctions against Reza Amiri Moghadam, Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, and Taqi Daneshvar, all affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
The measures are the latest in Washington’s efforts to hold Tehran accountable for Levinson’s fate, as U.S. officials believe he was abducted in Iran and later died in captivity.
Under the sanctions, any assets belonging to the three individuals within U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen, and American citizens are prohibited from conducting business with them. Additionally, foreign entities engaging with the sanctioned officers could also face blacklisting.
“Iran’s treatment of Mr. Levinson remains a blight on Iran’s already grim record of human rights abuse,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “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.”
Levinson, a former FBI agent turned private investigator, disappeared in March 2007 after traveling to an Iranian-controlled island while pursuing information on alleged corruption involving former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
According to the Treasury Department, the sanctioned officials played key roles in Levinson’s abduction, detention, and likely death, as well as in attempts to obscure Iran’s responsibility.
The sanctions are being enforced under an executive order originally issued by former U.S. President Joe Biden, which targets terrorist organizations, criminal networks, and other actors engaged in hostage-taking for political or financial leverage.
