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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Iran or US? Pakistan lands in a catch-22 situation as Iranian ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam is 'most wanted' by FBI
ANI Reza Amiri Moghadam (M). Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US has named three senior Iranian intelligence officers in connection with the 2007 abduction of retired FBI agent Robert A "Bob" Levinson from Kish Island in Iran, the US federal agency said in a statement. The three men identified are Reza Amiri Moghadam, Taghi Daneshvar and Gholamhossein Mohammadnia. The FBI's Washington Field Office said the trio played key roles in Levinson's kidnapping and in efforts to hide Iran's involvement. Reza Amiri Moghadam, an official of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson. Pakistan Link Reza Amiri Moghadam, now serving as Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, previously led operations for the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). The FBI says he was in charge of agents in Europe at the time Levinson disappeared, the FBI statement added. Reza Amiri Moghadam, an official of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson: — FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) July 15, 2025 It is extremely rare for a nation to publicly issue a 'wanted' notice targeting an ambassador of another country, particularly when relations between the involved nations are not openly hostile. Such an action is not only diplomatically provocative but also places both the ambassador and the host country in a deeply awkward position, potentially straining otherwise stable international ties. In March 2025, the US Treasury Department sanctioned all three officials including Reza Amiri Foreign Ministry is yet to make any concrete statement regarding Reza Amiri Moghadam even though Ministry's spokesperson Shafqat Khan has spoken very highly about the Iran's ambassador to which shares border with Iran, has a sizeable Shia even as it is majority Sunni state. Iran is a Shia state but holds influence over the sect's population in Pakistan. However, going by the Islamabad's reactions, it seems that authority in Pakistan does not want to be seen as hostile state in front of President Donald Trump. Thus the Reza Amiri Moghadam issue has become a catch-22 situation for Pakistan. The FBI believes that Iranian intelligence services not only carried out the abduction but also spread false information to escape Daneshvar, who is known by several aliases, is another senior MOIS officer. He reportedly oversaw Mohammad Baseri, an MOIS officer who was sanctioned by the US earlier, during the time Levinson went third officer, Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, was Iran's ambassador to Albania. He was expelled from the country in 2018 for actions deemed harmful to Albania's national security. The FBI says he tried to shift blame for Levinson's disappearance onto a terrorist group in FBI is now offering a reward of up to 5 million US dollars for any information that could help locate Levinson or identify those responsible. The US State Department is offering a separate reward of up to 20 million US dollars for information that leads to Levinson's retired from the FBI in 1998. He was last seen on Kish Island in March 2007. While Iran has repeatedly denied involvement, US officials maintain that top Iranian intelligence officers planned the abduction and attempted to cover it up using disinformation. Q1. Who is President of USA?A1. President of USA is Donald Trump. Q2. Who is Reza Amiri Moghadam - wanted by FBI? A2. Reza Amiri Moghadam, now serving as Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, previously led operations for the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran or US? Pakistan lands in a catch-22 situation as Iranian ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam is 'most wanted' by FBI
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US has named three senior Iranian intelligence officers in connection with the 2007 abduction of retired FBI agent Robert A "Bob" Levinson from Kish Island in Iran, the US federal agency said in a statement. The three men identified are Reza Amiri Moghadam , Taghi Daneshvar and Gholamhossein Mohammadnia. The FBI's Washington Field Office said the trio played key roles in Levinson's kidnapping and in efforts to hide Iran's involvement. Reza Amiri Moghadam, an official of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson. Pakistan Link Reza Amiri Moghadam, now serving as Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, previously led operations for the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). The FBI says he was in charge of agents in Europe at the time Levinson disappeared, the FBI statement added. Reza Amiri Moghadam, an official of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson: — FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) July 15, 2025 It is extremely rare for a nation to publicly issue a 'wanted' notice targeting an ambassador of another country, particularly when relations between the involved nations are not openly hostile. Such an action is not only diplomatically provocative but also places both the ambassador and the host country in a deeply awkward position, potentially straining otherwise stable international ties. Live Events In March 2025, the US Treasury Department sanctioned all three officials including Reza Amiri Moghadam. Pakistan Foreign Ministry is yet to make any concrete statement regarding Reza Amiri Moghadam even though Ministry's spokesperson Shafqat Khan has spoken very highly about the Iran's ambassador to Pakistan. Pakistan, which shares border with Iran, has a sizeable Shia even as it is majority Sunni state. Iran is a Shia state but holds influence over the sect's population in Pakistan. However, going by the Islamabad's reactions, it seems that authority in Pakistan does not want to be seen as hostile state in front of President Donald Trump. Thus the Reza Amiri Moghadam issue has become a catch-22 situation for Pakistan. USA vs Iran The FBI believes that Iranian intelligence services not only carried out the abduction but also spread false information to escape responsibility. Taghi Daneshvar, who is known by several aliases, is another senior MOIS officer. He reportedly oversaw Mohammad Baseri, an MOIS officer who was sanctioned by the US earlier, during the time Levinson went missing. The third officer, Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, was Iran's ambassador to Albania. He was expelled from the country in 2018 for actions deemed harmful to Albania's national security. The FBI says he tried to shift blame for Levinson's disappearance onto a terrorist group in Pakistan. The FBI is now offering a reward of up to 5 million US dollars for any information that could help locate Levinson or identify those responsible. The US State Department is offering a separate reward of up to 20 million US dollars for information that leads to Levinson's recovery. Levinson retired from the FBI in 1998. He was last seen on Kish Island in March 2007. While Iran has repeatedly denied involvement, US officials maintain that top Iranian intelligence officers planned the abduction and attempted to cover it up using disinformation. FAQs Q1. Who is President of USA? A1. President of USA is Donald Trump. Q2. Who is Reza Amiri Moghadam - wanted by FBI? A2. Reza Amiri Moghadam, now serving as Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, previously led operations for the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
FO defends Iranian ambassador after FBI lists him as most-wanted
Listen to article The Foreign Office has reiterated that Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moqaddam is highly respected and entitled to all diplomatic privileges after the US' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) included him in its list of most-wanted individuals. In a statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, 'The Iranian ambassador is highly respected for his positive role in fostering bilateral relations. As the ambassador of a close friend and neighbour, he is entitled to full diplomatic privileges, protection, and respect.' The statement highlighted the longstanding and brotherly ties between Iran and Pakistan, with the spokesperson emphasising that the Iranian ambassador's role in strengthening these ties was commendable. 'The diplomatic relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and dignity,' the spokesperson added. Reza Amiri Moghadam, an official of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson: — FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) July 15, 2025 The FBI recently added Moghadam to its most-wanted list, accusing him of involvement in the abduction, detention, and likely death of Robert Levinson, a retired FBI agent who disappeared while visiting Iran's Kish Island in 2007. According to an FBI statement, Moghadam, a senior official in Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, is wanted for questioning in connection with Levinson's abduction, prolonged detention, and presumed death. Retired FBI agent Levinson disappeared on March 9, 2007, while in Iran's Gulf island of Kish, reportedly investigating cigarette counterfeiting in the region. Levinson is considered to be the longest-held hostage in US history, if he is still alive. Read More: US vows it 'won't rest' until Iran frees ex-FBI agent In 2013, US media reports revealed that Levinson had been paid by the CIA to gather information during his visits to Iran. He had been hoping to meet an informant during his trip who could provide details about Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. The White House has denied that Levinson was working for the US government at the time of his disappearance. Washington has repeatedly requested information from Iran regarding Levinson's fate, but Iranian officials have denied any knowledge of his whereabouts.
UPI
15-07-2025
- Politics
- UPI
FBI seeks info on three Iranian intelligence officers
1 of 3 | The FBI on Tuesday issued a poster seeking information on Reza Amiri Moghadam. Image Courtesy of the FBI July 15 (UPI) -- The FBI is seeking information on three Iranian intelligence officers accused of abducting retired FBI special agent Robert A. "Bob" Levinson in 2007. The three intelligence officers are Reza Amiri Moghadam, Taghi Daneshvar and Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, all of whom were highly placed in the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security and are accused of playing roles in Levinson's March 9, 2007, abduction and eventual death. "These three intelligence officers were among those who allegedly facilitated Bob's 2007 abduction and the subsequent coverup by the Iranian government," said Steven Jensen, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. "The FBI will continue its relentless pursuit to hold anyone involved in his abduction to account for their reprehensible actions," Jensen said. Levinson's family in March 2020 announced the U.S. government had informed them of Levinson's death, but they do not know how or when he died. The Iranian government denied knowledge of Levinson's whereabouts for nearly 18 years despite senior intelligence officials authorizing his abduction and detention, according to the FBI. The bureau says the Iranian government also launched a disinformation campaign to deflect blame from the Iranian regime. In response, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control in March sanctioned Moghadam, Daneshvar and Mohammadnia for their roles in Levinson's abduction. The FBI on Tuesday produced posters on each of the three men and is offering a $5 million reward for information on Levinson's location and leading to the recovery and return of his body. The State Department's Rewards for Justice program is offering an additional, up to $20 million reward for information that leads to Levinson's location, recovery and return. Anyone who has information about Levinson or any Iranian officials who might have had a role in his abduction can send an email to levinsonfbireward@ or submit a tip online at Individuals also can contact their local FBI office of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to submit relevant information.
Rudaw Net
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
US sanctions Sweden-based Kurdish gang leader over Iran-linked attacks
Also in World European parliament discusses Syria Flights affected as workers strike at 13 airports in Germany US congressman warns about armed groups ruling Syria Iraq, Sweden move towards reopening Swedish embassy in Baghdad A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Rawa Majid, the Kurdish leader of Foxtrot Network, a transnational criminal organization based in Sweden over his reported involvement in arms and drugs trafficking and cooperation with Iran in 'attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets in Europe.' 'The United States is sanctioning the Foxtrot Network, a transnational criminal organization, and its fugitive leader Rawa Majid,' the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, adding that the network 'is involved in arms trafficking and contributes to rising violence in Northern Europe, including shootings, contract killings, and assaults.' Rawa Majid, widely known as the Kurdish Fox, is an Iranian-born Kurdish-Swedish national wanted on multiple charges in Sweden. His group is accused of orchestrating drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and violent crimes such as shootings and contract killings across Northern Europe. The statement additionally accused Iran of 'leveraging the Foxtrot Network to carry out attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets in Europe, including the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, in January 2024.' It said Majid had cooperated with the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security that are already under US sanctions. According to Rubio's statement, the US State and Treasury Department 'will continue to expose and impose costs on the Iranian regime for its malign activities as part of the [US President Donald] Trump Administration's renewed maximum pressure campaigns.' Trump in early February restored the maximum pressure policy against Iran, arguing that Tehran is 'too close' to obtaining nuclear weapons, but expressed interest in negotiating a deal with Iran. In late February, the US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on over 30 individuals and vessels for their 'involvement' in importing Iranian petroleum-related products. Amid the increased US sanctions, Iran's foreign minister said on Monday that his country will 'not even consider' negotiating under pressure and intimidation. The Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in February slammed negotiations with the US as 'unwise.'
