Washington – Rob Malley, the US special envoy for Iran, has been on leave while his security clearance is being reviewed.
“I have been advised that my security clearance is under review. I have received no further information, but expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and expeditiously,” Malley said in a statement. at CBS News. “In the meantime, I’m on leave.”
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed Malley was on leave and told reporters on Thursday, “Abram Paley is acting special envoy for Iran and leads the department’s work in this area.”
In President Barack Obama’s administration, Malley was involved in everything from negotiating the Iran nuclear deal to fighting the Islamic State. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran has reduced its nuclear program in order to benefit from sanctions relief. After President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal, Malley played a pivotal role in trying to revive it under President Joe Biden.
Malley’s absence coincides with multiple reports in recent weeks that the United States has resumed indirect talks with Iran on the nuclear and detainee issue. National Security Council Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk has also recently played a role.
This week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told an event at the Council on Foreign Relations that there was “no deal in sight” and any reports of a deal being struck were misleading.
Malley has also been involved in negotiations to secure the release of Americans who the United States says are wrongfully detained in Iran.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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