White House Asks Iran For Help Over Missing Ex-FBI agent

A photograph of missing retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, who disappeared in 2007 on the Iranian island of Kish.

The United States has made a plea for Iran to return a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran six years ago.

Robert Levinson went missing from Kish Island in Iran in March 2007.

In a statement on November 26, the White House said: "We respectfully ask the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to assist us in securing Mr. Levinson's health, welfare, and safe return."

The statement noted that Levinson is now "one of the longest-held Americans in history."

The plea comes less than a week after six world powers reached an interim agreement with Iran on curbs of some of its nuclear activities in return for limited sanctions relief.

Iran's government has said it has no information about Levinson's whereabouts.

Based on reporting by AP and Usatoday.com