Biden’s Iran envoy placed on leave after security clearance suspended amid investigation into possible mishandling of classified material, sources say
Previously, Malley had played a key role in US efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, one of the thorniest foreign policy challenges facing the Biden administration following former President Donald Trump’s decision to walk away from the agreement that Malley played an important role in negotiating under President Barack Obama. He had also played a leading role in seeking to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained in Iran.
Earlier this year, two sources said, the State Department ramped up its own investigation into Malley’s handling of classified information, which led to his clearance being suspended within the last two months.
It’s not clear what was uncovered that specifically led to Malley’s clearance being suspended. The sources did not have any indication there was a criminal probe related to the matter.
Malley worked on the Iran portfolio during the Clinton and Obama administrations.Under Obama he was part of the diplomatic negotiating team that helped craft the Iran nuclear deal. He has been a target for Iran hawks who cast him as an Iran sympathizer.
Malley also has been friends with Secretary of State Antony Blinken for decades,dating back to their days as teenage classmates in Paris.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/29/politics/rob-malley-leave-investigation-classified-material/index.html