FBI Lists Iranian Diplomat as ‘Most Wanted’ over Missing Agent Case
The American government has listed the Iranian envoy to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, as one of the ‘most wanted’ individuals by the FBI. This listing follows allegations of Moghadam’s involvement in the kidnap and subsequent suspected demise of ex-FBI agent Robert Levinson. Officials believe that Moghadam was instrumental in orchestrating a cover-up campaign to hide Iran’s implicated responsibility. It was revealed that Moghadam is a representative of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, according to FBI records.
Robert Levinson, who had retired from the FBI in 1998 and was serving as an independent investigator, set out towards Kish Island in Iran on March 8, 2007. Subsequent to his journey, there was no public indication of his whereabouts. His vanishing act the following day kicked off a series of unanswered questions about his fate. In 2010 and 2011, proof emerged in form of a video and images, which depicted an incarcerated Levinson.
In March 2025, the US Department of Treasury took punitive action against Moghadam and other implicated individuals for purported involvement in the disappearance and feasible death of Levinson. Investigations conducted by the FBI are constantly focusing on identifying other Iranian top officials potentially involved in the case. A bounty of $5 million by the FBI and an additional $20 million being offered by the United States Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program. These monetary rewards are for information that may result in accurately pinpointing Levinson’s location, his recovery, and ultimate return.
The family of the missing man, relying on facts supplied by the US government institutions, conceded in a statement back in 2020 that Levinson likely passed away in Iranian captivity. Responding to the FBI’s action of placing Moghadam on their ‘most wanted’ list, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch praised the FBI’s efforts. He asserted that the FBI is decisively tackling Iran’s implicated role in the seizing of Bob Levinson who he lauded as a ‘dedicated father’ and a ‘patriotic American’.
Senator Risch underscored that the memory of Bob and his family will not be forgotten and reiterated that those involved in the crime will be punished. This determination arises post the recent violent conflict, which lasted 12 days, between Iran and Israel. This saw the US intervening militarily by targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
In a telephone conversation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio along with the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the UK, have come to a mutual decision. They have decided that by the end of August, a nuclear accord with Iran must be established. Should there be no agreement by this set deadline, the European alliance is prepared to activate the ‘snapback’ method. This procedure will result in the automatic reintroduction of all UN Security Council sanctions which were nullified under the 2015 Iran deal.
It has been reported that the current US President Donald Trump has stated that Tehran hopes for a dialogue with the United States. However, Trump admits he is not eager to enter into discussions with Iran. Particularly, the Iranian regime has demonstrated their unwillingness to participate in nuclear-based talks, especially if such dialogues would require them to halt their uranium enrichment activities.