Reward offered in case of man who vanished in Iran

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- The wife of Bob Levinson, an American who disappeared during a trip to Iran's Kish island 14 months ago, is offering a $5,000 reward in hopes of finding her husband.

"We have no information, so it's very disheartening," Christine Levinson said Friday.

Levinson said she hopes the reward will spur someone overseas to come forward.

Levinson said her husband, retired FBI agent Bob Levinson, is a private security consultant who specializes in cigarette smuggling. The U.S. State Department and FBI have said he was not working for the American government.

"We're hoping the Iranians, ordinary people, will remember something they might have heard or seen something that will help," Levinson said.

Her husband has diabetes and other medical problems, she said, so "there might be some medical person over there who might remember him."

She also is asking permission from Iran to make a second trip there in July to seek information.

In December, her son accompanied her to Iran, where officials told her they would try to help. She has heard nothing more from them, she said.

The United States has no diplomatic relations with Iran, so Levinson works through the Swiss government and the United Nations to communicate with Tehran.

Bob Levinson's absence has been marked with painful remembrances. May 11 was the couple's 34th wedding anniversary. Next week, one of his seven children will graduate from high school.

Christine Levinson said the reward might seem low, but she hopes her plight might prompt donations to increase the amount. Donations can be made through the family's Web site, helpboblevinson.com.

She stays in touch with the U.S. State Department, hoping for news. "They've heard nothing negative, so there's still hope," she said.

"I do believe he's alive; I believe he's safe. I just don't know where he is. We miss him."

All About Robert Levinson • Iran