WASHINGTON — The US Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, is “on leave,” the State Department said Thursday.
“Rob Malley is on leave and Abram Paley is serving as acting Special Envoy for Iran and leading the Department’s work in this area,” US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said an emailed comment Thursday, without elaborating.
Malley told Axios reporter Barak Ravid Thursday that his security clearance is under review and has no further information.
“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. In the meantime, I am on leave,” Ravid quoted Malley as saying.
Earlier Thursday, Farsi-language satellite news channel Iran International reported that Malley was “under investigation” while a deputy assumed his duties.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
