Robert Malley, the Biden administration’s special envoy to Iran, has been placed on unpaid leave for a “review” of his security clearance. Malley stated that he has been informed that his security clearance is under review and expects the investigation to be resolved favorably and soon. However, he has not been provided with any further information regarding the investigation.
According to an official familiar with the situation, Malley’s security clearance was suspended due to an investigation into his handling of classified information. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, declined to comment on whether the suspension occurred on Thursday or before the decision to place Malley on unpaid leave.
Another official stated that Malley has “no idea” what the investigation is about. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that Malley is on leave and that Abram Paley is serving as the acting Special Envoy for Iran in his absence.
Malley’s temporary removal from his position comes as the Biden administration has been engaged in indirect discussions with Iran over its nuclear program and other issues. These talks, initiated several months ago with Oman serving as a mediator, aim to de-escalate tensions and establish clear red lines. Iran has recently increased its uranium enrichment levels and launched proxy attacks against US forces in Syria.
While Malley has maintained direct communication with Iran through its ambassador to the United Nations, the talks in Oman have been led by Brett McGurk, the Middle East coordinator at the National Security Council.
The administration is also in ongoing dialogue with Iran, through the government of Switzerland, regarding three US citizens who are unjustly detained on espionage charges.
Malley previously served as a special assistant to President Barack Obama and Middle East coordinator for the NSC. He was also the US negotiator in the talks that led to the 2015 nuclear agreement, which eased US sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions and international monitoring of its nuclear program. The agreement fell apart when President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the deal in 2018, leading to the reimposition of sanctions by the Trump administration. Iran subsequently increased its uranium enrichment beyond the limits of the accord.
During his campaign, President Biden pledged to rejoin the nuclear agreement and appointed Malley as his special envoy for indirect negotiations through Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China. However, the talks ceased last fall when Iran rejected an offer from the US and its allies. After months of Iran’s continued enrichment, the new bilateral discussions were initiated, although no substantive progress has been reported thus far.
Malley also served as a senior adviser to President Bill Clinton on Middle East policy and other matters.
How does the appointment of Abram Paley as the acting Special Envoy for Iran impact the ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran during Malley’s absence
Robert Malley, the Biden administration’s special envoy to Iran, has been placed on unpaid leave as his security clearance undergoes a review. Malley expects the investigation to be resolved favorably and promptly but has not received any additional information regarding the nature of the investigation.
An anonymous official revealed that Malley’s security clearance was suspended as a result of an investigation focused on his handling of classified information. However, details concerning when the suspension occurred and the decision to place Malley on leave were not disclosed.
Another official stated that Malley is unaware of the specifics of the investigation, leaving him with no insight into its nature. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed Malley’s leave and noted that Abram Paley is currently serving as the acting Special Envoy for Iran in his absence.
Malley’s temporary removal from his position signifies the seriousness with which the administration regards the investigation into his security clearance.
The security clearance review for Robert Malley sends a clear message that the Biden administration takes national security seriously and is committed to ensuring the right personnel are in key diplomatic roles.