House pressures Iran to help with Levinson case

The House passed a resolution on Monday pressuring Iran to assist with finding a retired FBI agent who disappeared nearly a decade ago.

Robert Levinson has been missing since March 2007, after traveling to Iran’s Kish Island. 

“Whatever information Iran has about Bob needs to be provided now so that Bob can be brought home,” said Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), who represents the Coral Springs-area district where Levinson lived.

{mosads}The measure, which passed by voice vote, specifically “urges the Government of Iran, as a humanitarian gesture, to act on its promises to assist in the case of Robert Levinson.”

Levinson’s family has received pictures and video of him since his capture, indicating he was being held captive as of five years ago, at least. Iranian officials have maintained they have no information about Levinson’s whereabouts.

The Iranian government in January released five detained Americans, including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian and former Marine Amir Hekmati, after months of negotiations with the Obama administration. Levinson was not among those released.

“Even as we rejoice in the safe return of others, we will never forget about Bob,” President Obama said at the time. “Each and every day, but especially today, our hearts are with the Levinson family, and we will not rest until their family is whole again.”

The American detainees were released in exchange for clemency offered to seven Iranians charged or convicted in the U.S. with violating sanctions, as well as a dismissal of charges against 14 other Iranians.