The family of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran in 2007 and is believed to have died while in custody, is appealing to the U.S. government to include the return of his remains in any future nuclear deal with Tehran. Their plea comes in light of recent escalations in conflict, following the confirmed death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader who the Levinson family holds accountable for their father’s kidnapping and presumed death.
In a statement shared on X, the family emphasized the urgency of their request amid heightened tensions after the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes in Iran, resulting in the deaths of Khamenei and over 200 other individuals. This military action has intensified the cycle of conflict, with Iran retaliating against Israel and Gulf states, leading to the tragic loss of three American service members. President Donald Trump has vowed to retaliate, creating further uncertainty in the region.
The Levinson family is calling on the U.S. administration not to overlook individuals like Robert Levinson, whose fate has yet to be fully addressed by the Iranian regime. Levinson, who vanished while in Iran on a supposed private mission, became a symbol of the unresolved issues surrounding American citizens detained by Iranian authorities. His family was left with sporadic and unconfirmed communications over the years, and the U.S. ultimately concluded in 2020 that he had died in custody, although the exact details of his death remain unclear.
In their statement, the Levinson family expressed frustration over Iran’s longstanding denial and obstruction regarding the circumstances of his disappearance. They acknowledged the recent death of Khamenei as a pivotal moment but reaffirmed their commitment to seek accountability and justice for their father.
The family expressed gratitude towards U.S. officials who are confronting Iran on issues of wrongful detention. They also extended their support to the Iranian people in their ongoing struggles for freedom and human rights.
As negotiations for a potential agreement between the U.S. and Iran continue, the Levinson family is urging that their father’s case remains a key point of discussion. They continue to seek clarity on his situation, pressing for accountability for nearly two decades of pain and uncertainty.