U.S. urges Iran to help return former FBI agent

The White House on Tuesday called for Iran's help in securing the return of Robert Levinson, a retired agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who went missing in the Islamic Republic since 2007.

 "As we approach the upcoming holiday season, we reiterate the commitment of the United States government to locate Mr. Levinson and bring him home safely to his family, friends and loved ones," spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.


 He described Levinson as "one of the longest held Americans in history," as he has never been heard of again since March 9, 2007 when he traveled to Iran's Kish Island on a business trip.


 "We welcome the assistance of our international partners in this investigation, and we respectfully ask the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to assist us in securing Mr. Levinson's health, welfare and safe return," Carney said.


 Josh Earnest, another White House spokesman, told reporters that recent negotiations with Iran were related only to its nuclear program, but President Barack Obama asked for Iran's help in locating Levinson when he spoke over the phone to his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in September.


 Earnest said there was no progress in locating Levinson, for whose information the FBI offered a one-million-dollar reward last year.


 In his phone talks with Rouhani, Obama also raised the cases of Amir Hekmati and Saeed Abedini, two other Americans currently detained in Iran, Earnest said.


 "It's our view that all of these Americans should have the opportunity to come home," Earnest said.