US Iran envoy on leave
Rob Malley said that he was on leave pending a security clearance review.
US Iran envoy Rob Malley is on leave, the State Department said Thursday.
Malley said in a text that he has been informed that his security clearance is under review, and he expects the matter to be resolved favorably.
“I have been informed that my security clearance is under review,” Malley said in a text statement first reported by Axios’ Barak Ravid. “I have not been provided any further information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and soon. In the meantime, I am on leave.”
CNN reported that Malley’s security clearance was suspended earlier this year amid an investigation into his handling of classified material.
“A U.S. official said that Malley’s clearance was suspended amid a State Department diplomatic security investigation into the possible mishandling of classified information,” CNN reported. “Another source familiar with the matter said he was placed on unpaid leave on Thursday afternoon.”
“For a period of time following the State Department investigation, Malley remained on the job but was not allowed to access classified information, said the US official,” CNN reported.
Earlier Thursday, the State Department said it did not have any updates on US efforts to advance a possible de-escalation understanding with Iran, and gain the release of detained US citizens held by Iran, but said the issues are being worked on by multiple officials in the State Department and White House.
“I do not have any update on those efforts and will only say that it continues to be a matter that is worked on by a number of officials both here at the State Department and at the White House,” State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said at the briefing today.
“There is no agreement in the offing, even as we continue to be willing to explore diplomatic paths,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations Wednesday.
Miller said in a statement this afternoon that Malley’s deputy Abram Paley is serving as acting Iran envoy while Malley is on leave.
“Rob Malley is on leave, and Abram Paley is serving as acting Special Envoy for Iran and leading the Department’s work in this area,” Miller said.
“Malley’s whereabouts have raised questions since he skipped a classified congressional briefing on Iran on May 16,” the Associated Press reported tonight. “At the time, State Department officials told lawmakers that Malley was on ‘extended personal leave’ and suggested that his absence might be related to a family health issue.”
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