The United States of America has designated Reza Amiri Moghadam, the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, as a prominent figure on the ‘most wanted’ list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This decision comes as a result of Moghadam’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping, detention, and possible death of Robert A Levinson, a retired FBI special agent, and attempts to obscure Iran’s role in these events.
Moghadam is regarded as a high-ranking official within Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, according to the FBI. Their search for truth and justice is aimed specifically at him, signifying the severity of the charges levied against him.
Robert Levinson’s career at the FBI concluded in 1998, after which he worked independently as a private investigator. The FBI reports that Levinson ventured to Iran’s Kish Island on March 8, 2007. He has not been seen or made any public appearances since his disappearance a day after his trip to Iran.
2010 and 2011 brought some disturbing evidence to life, as a video and several photos surfaced showing Levinson held captive. These were the first indications confirming the fears about his abduction.
In a significant move, the US Treasury Department named Moghadam, among others, in official designations for their alleged involvement in Levinson’s abduction, detention and possible death. This decision was made in March 2025, validating reports of Levinson’s dire situation.
Since then, the FBI has been steadfast in its investigation, seeking to pinpoint other Iranian officials possibly complicit in the incident. Their pursuit of justice remains relentless, with the ultimate goal of identifying all individuals responsible.
An incentive to solicit information has been introduced by the FBI in the form of a reward. A substantial sum of up to $5 million is on offer from the Bureau, whereas the Rewards For Justice Program of the US Department of State has upped the ante by offering a whopping $20 million. These rewards are set for information that leads directly to finding Levinson and ensuring his safe return.
In a heartfelt release in 2020, Levinson’s bereaved family made the heartrending announcement that they believed he had passed away while detained in Iran. They reached this conclusion based on information handed down from US officials.
Senator Jim Risch, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, commented on the situation saying the FBI is at the forefront of making Iran responsible for Levinson’s abduction. In his statement, he paid tribute to Levinson’s commitment to his family and country.
Risch further stated, ‘We will remember Bob and his family and ensure those who committed these atrocities face justice.’ His stand illustrated a resolute commitment to holding those accountable responsible for their actions.
The recent developments come in the wake of a 12-day war between Iran and Israel. Following this period of strife, the US launched attacks on several Iranian nuclear sites, marking a significant turning point in their relations.
The Secretary of State for the United States, Marco Rubio, together with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK, have reached a consensus during a phone call. They determined the end of August as the implicit deadline to initiate a nuclear deal with Iran.
In case negotiations do not culminate into a deal by the set deadline, the three European powers plan to employ the ‘snapback’ mechanism. This involves the automatic reappearance or ‘reimposition’ of all the UN Security Council sanctions that were previously lifted as part of a 2015 deal with Iran.
The current US President, Donald Trump, has expressed his views on the geopolitical scenario surrounding Iran. Trump mentioned that dialogue with Tehran would likely occur, but stressed that he was not eager to expedite these conversation processes.
Notably, Iran has made it clear that it will not participate in talks on their nuclear program if the preconditions require them to stop their uranium enrichment activities. The reluctance displayed by Iran places an added layer of intricacy in these negotiation processes.
The future course of events remains uncertain as lines of communication open and close. Only time will reveal whether these discussions can lead to a resolution that alleviates global tensions and promotes peace in a volatile region.