Missing American sought

U.S. officials have indirectly asked the Iranian government about a U.S. citizen who disappeared several weeks ago while on a private trip to Iran.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters Monday that he could disclose no further personal details about the man other than to say he was not on official business.

“We have been monitoring the situation for a couple of weeks now,” he said.

“Today we are sending to the Iranian government through the Swiss channel an inquiry as to whether or not they have any information on his welfare and whereabouts.”

The U.S. does not have a diplomatic presence in Iran but maintains a small consular office through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.

McCormack said U.S. officials had been in touch with the man’s family. He said he believed the man was visiting the Iranian island of Kish, a Persian Gulf free-trade zone that allows visitors from all countries except Israel to obtain visas at the airport.

The Associated Press quoted an FBI spokesman as saying the missing man was a former agent who had retired 10 years ago and was not in the country on bureau business.

McCormack said he saw no connection between the case of the missing American and the British naval personnel detained by Iranians on March 23.

“He is a private citizen,” McCormack said. “He was there on private business and we don’t see any linkage whatsoever between this case and any other ongoing cases that may have been in the news recently.”