The following statement is in response to the Associated Press article dated July 20, 2017, citing an anonymous U.S. official who stated “many U.S. government officials believe [Robert] Levinson is no longer alive."

This characterization is not accurate and diminishes the U.S. government’s resolve to safely return Robert (Bob) Levinson home to his family. Bob disappeared from Kish Island, Iran on March 9, 2007. In 2010, a video showing him in captivity was sent to the Levinson family by his captors. As Bob was taken inside Iran, the U.S. government continues to reiterate its call on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to locate Mr. Levinson and return him home to his family.