US says Iran behind ‘probable death’ of Jewish former FBI agent

The United States for the first time accuses Iran of direct involvement in the “probable death” of former FBI agent Bob Levinson, who vanished 13 years ago, and imposes sanctions on two intelligence agents.

Releasing the finding a month before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, Donald Trump’s administration urges his successor to prioritize the release of at least three Americans in Iranian custody as his team expects to resume diplomacy with the US adversary.

“The government of Iran pledged to provide assistance in bringing Bob Levinson home, but it has never followed through,” FBI Director Christopher Wray says in a statement.

“The truth is that Iranian intelligence officers — with the approval of senior Iranian officials — were involved in Bob’s abduction and detention.”

— AFP