(JTA) — President Donald Trump said in a tweet that Iran’s return of missing former FBI agent Robert Levinson would be a “very positive step.”
In the same Sunday night tweet, Trump also referred to Iran’s decision to breach the nuclear deal negotiated by President Obama. Trump pulled the United States out of that deal more than a year ago.
“At the same time, upon information & belief, Iran is, & has been, enriching uranium. THAT WOULD BE A VERY BAD STEP!” the tweet said.
The tweet came the same day that Iran announced that Levinson’s 2007 disappearance is being handled as a missing persons case and that Levinson “has no judicial or criminal case in any Islamic Republic of Iran court whatsoever.”
On Saturday, Iran said it is enriching uranium to five percent, more that the 3.67 percent allowed by the nuclear deal signed in 2015.
Levinson, 70, of Coral Springs, Florida, a private investigator and former FBI agent who was also a part-time consultant for the CIA, disappeared on Iran’s Kish Island during what was first described as a work trip for private firms. It was later revealed as a rogue CIA operation.
Last week, on the 12th anniversary of his disappearance, the Trump administration announced a $20 million reward from the State Department Rewards for Justice, in addition to the $5 million the FBI has for years offered for information leading to the rescue of its former agent.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
