Senior Iranian intelligence official on FBI wanted list killed in Tehran strikes

A senior official at Iran’s Intelligence Ministry was killed in US and Israeli airstrikes in Tehran, state media reported, identifying him as Mohammad Baseri.

State media said Baseri was killed in US and Israeli airstrikes on the capital but did not provide further details.

Baseri had previously appeared on the FBI’s wanted list in connection with the 2007 disappearance of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson.

In its notice, the FBI said Mohammad Baseri, described as an Iranian intelligence officer, was wanted for questioning over his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention and probable death of Levinson, who traveled to Kish Island, Iran, on March 8, 2007, and was not publicly seen or heard from after the following day.

In December 2020, the US Treasury sanctioned Baseri and Ahmad Khazai over their alleged involvement in the abduction. According to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designation, Baseri was described as a high-ranking MOIS officer involved in counterespionage activities inside and outside Iran, including sensitive investigations tied to Iranian national security issues.