Biden’s Iran Envoy Placed on Unpaid Leave Pending Investigation into Classified Document Handling

According to U.S. officials, the Biden administration’s special envoy for Iran, Rob Malley, has been placed on unpaid leave and had his security clearance suspended. This decision comes as a review is conducted into allegations that he may have mishandled classified information.

Rob Malley has been leading the administration’s efforts to revive the faltering Iran nuclear deal and address issues concerning detained Americans in Iran. However, he has not been actively fulfilling his main duties for several weeks. Malley informed colleagues that he would be taking an extended personal leave for undisclosed family reasons.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security within the State Department is spearheading the investigation into Malley’s handling of classified documents. State Department officials learned about his change in employment status from paid to unpaid leave shortly after questions were raised during a regular afternoon briefing.

To respect privacy concerns, the officials spoke anonymously.

Malley, when contacted by various news outlets, acknowledged that his security clearance was under review. He expressed confidence that the investigation would be resolved favorably and promptly. In the meantime, he stated that he is on leave.

According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, Malley officially remains in his position but is currently on leave. The acting special envoy for Iran is Abram Paley, serving as his deputy.

Concerns have arisen regarding Malley’s whereabouts since he missed a classified congressional briefing on Iran on May 16. State Department officials informed lawmakers that he was on extended personal leave, possibly due to a family health matter.

Rob Malley, a close personal friend of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, previously worked for the International Crisis Group during the Trump administration. In that capacity, he had interactions with Iranian and Palestinian officials, which U.S. officials are typically prohibited from engaging with.

During the Obama administration, Malley served as a National Security Council aide and played a significant role in the negotiations surrounding the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

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More about classified documents

• Biden administration’s special envoy for Iran – Official biography of Rob Malley on the State Department’s website.
• State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security – Information about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the agency leading the inquiry into Rob Malley’s handling of classified documents.
• Iran nuclear deal – Details about the Iran nuclear deal, which Rob Malley has been working to revive as the special envoy for Iran.
• International Crisis Group – Website of the International Crisis Group, where Rob Malley previously worked during the Trump administration.
• 2015 nuclear deal with Iran – Information about the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, in which Rob Malley was closely involved during the Obama administration.