Congress demands answers over Iran envoy Rob Malley clearance suspension

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tx.) on Friday demanded more clarity and answers on allegations that launched a State Department investigation into Iran envoy Rob Malley for allegedly mishandling classified documents. 

“Media reports indicate that Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, was placed on unpaid leave after his security clearance was suspended earlier this year amidst an investigation into potential mishandling of classified documents,” McCaul wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “These reports raise serious concerns both regarding Malley’s conduct and whether the State Department misled Congress and the American public.”

Malley was placed on unpaid leave on Thursday and had his security clearance suspended, according to the New York Post. 

Malley was appointed by President Biden as special envoy for Iran in January of 2021. He confirmed that he was on leave in a statement. 

“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," the statement reads, according to the New York Post. 

McCaul accused the State Department of stonewalling the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s previous “efforts to conduct oversight.”

"While the suspension of Special Envoy Malley’s clearance is independently troubling, our concern is compounded by the State Department’s failure to respond to the Committee’s efforts to conduct oversight of its negotiations with and policy toward Iran," McCaul stated. 

"Since April 11, 2023, the Committee has repeatedly requested Special Envoy Malley’s testimony, which the Department has not fulfilled, despite Special Envoy Malley’s numerous press engagements dating back to May 30, 2023,” he continued. 

McCaul is demanding in the letter that his committee be provided “a full and transparent accounting of the circumstances surrounding Special Envoy Malley’s clearance suspension and investigation” by no later than July 11.