WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration’s special envoy for Iran has resigned from his post pending a review of his security clearance by U.S. authorities.
Rob Malley led the administration’s efforts to revive the faltering Iran nuclear deal and resolve issues related to Americans detained in Iran, but has not been active in his work for weeks.
There was no immediate indication why Malley’s clearance was being reviewed, but a State Department official said the agency’s Office of Diplomatic Security was leading the investigation. . The official spoke on Thursday on condition of anonymity for confidentiality reasons.
Malley did not immediately respond to a question about the situation from The Associated Press, but said in a brief statement to numerous news outlets that he had “been advised that my security clearance was being reviewed.” .
“I have not received any further information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and quickly. In the meantime, I am on leave,” he said in the statement.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said earlier Thursday that Malley officially remains in his post but is on leave and his deputy, Abram Paley, currently leads the Iran portfolio as as acting special envoy.
Malley’s fate has raised questions since he skipped a classified congressional briefing on Iran on May 16. At the time, State Department officials told lawmakers Malley was on “extended personal leave” and suggested his absence could be related to a family health issue.