US Envoy on Iran Placed on Leave Amid Security Clearance Review
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Robert Malley, the American official responsible for Iran affairs, has been put on leave as his security clearance undergoes a review following alleged mishandling of classified materials, according to anonymous sources cited by CNN.
Malley confirmed the review, stating, "I have been informed that my security clearance is under review. I have not been provided any further information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and soon," in a statement to Reuters. In the meantime, he will be on leave.
The US State Department's spokesman, Matt Miller, acknowledged Malley's absence but did not provide specific reasons or duration, announcing that Abram Paley, the deputy, would serve as the acting replacement.
Notably, investigations into the handling of classified information have involved several American officials, including former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Malley was a member of the American negotiating team involved in the talks that led to the 2015 agreement between world powers, including the United States and Tehran.
The agreement facilitated the lifting of certain sanctions on Iran in exchange for modifications to its peaceful nuclear energy program.
However, in 2018, Trump withdrew from the deal and reimposed sanctions. Following President Joe Biden's assumption of office, Malley was appointed as the special envoy for Iran, playing a role in negotiations for the potential revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the official name for the agreement.
