Family of missing American still waiting

Associated Press

NEW YORK

The relatives of a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran almost nine years ago said Monday they’re happy for the families of prisoners released from Iranian custody over the weekend but wished government officials had warned them he would not be among them.

“We had to learn it from the TV ourselves, and that’s very disappointing and heartbreaking,” said Robert Levinson’s wife, Christine.

Robert Levinson disappeared from an Iranian resort March 9, 2007, while in the country on an unauthorized mission for the CIA.

It’s unclear where he is; Iranian officials have said they don’t know, but Levinson’s family does not believe them.

His son, Dan Levinson, told The Associated Press that it felt like “once again, he’s been left behind” and that the U.S. can’t give up on bringing his father back.

Iran released four American prisoners over the weekend in exchange for the U.S. pardoning or dropping charges against seven Iranians. A fifth American also was released separately.

In discussing the release, President Barack Obama said the U.S. would continue working to find Levinson. But when asked by reporters whether Levinson was still alive, Secretary of State John Kerry said, “We have no idea.”

Levinson’s family insists he is still alive, even with health issues including diabetes, gout and high blood pressure. They last got some visual record of him in video and photos that were sent about five years ago.