US envoy to Iran under FBI investigation over handling of classified info — report

Shafaq News/ Internal probe into Rob Malley turned over to federal agency, US news outlet Semafor reports, after he was put on leave amid security clearance review

The FBI is investigating the US special envoy for Iran, Rob Malley, over his handling of classified material, a Friday report said, after the Biden administration suspended Malley’s security clearance and put him on leave.

An internal security investigation into Malley has been turned over to the FBI, the US news outlet Semafor reported, citing a source in the State Department.

Two State Department officials had previously said the agency’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security was leading the inquiry.

Further details about the case remain unclear, but the FBI’s involvement suggested the suspicion of a possible crime, Semafor reported.

Malley said last week that he was on leave from the Biden administration due to a review of his security clearance.

In a text sent to several reporters, Malley said, “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.”

Malley has led administration efforts to revive the faltering Iran nuclear deal and resolve issues related to detained Americans in Iran, but has not been active in his job for weeks.

His departure came as indirect talks had recently intensified between the US and Iran, which has gradually escalated its uranium enrichment amid the collapse of the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

State Department spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed last week only that Malley was on leave and that his deputy, Abram Paley, was serving as acting special envoy for Iran.

CNN reported last week that Malley’s security clearance was suspended earlier this year amid the investigation into possible mishandling of classified material.

Malley’s whereabouts have raised questions since he skipped a classified congressional briefing on Iran on May 16.

At the time, State Department officials told lawmakers that Malley was on “extended personal leave” and suggested that his absence might be related to a family health issue.

It was unclear when exactly Malley’s clearance was suspended. According to CNN, he remained on the job for a period of time afterward, while being barred from accessing classified information.

One of the architects of the JCPOA — the multilateral deal inked in 2015 by then US president Barack Obama, which his successor Donald Trump vacated in 2018 — Malley was seen as one of the strongest voices in the administration pushing for diplomacy on the Iran nuclear issue.

The stance made him a target of ire from Israeli officials, who have accused him and the administration of seeking a restoration of the nuclear deal at any cost.

As special envoy, he was willing to engage with controversial figures, reportedly including Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani.

During former president Bill Clinton’s administration, Malley served as a special adviser to the president and as a member of the 2000 Camp David peace team.

A close personal friend of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Malley had worked for the International Crisis Group during the Trump administration. In that job, he met on several occasions with Iranians and Palestinian officials with whom US officials are barred from having contact.

Malley’s January 2021 appointment as special envoy for Iran led to speculation in Israel that the Biden administration was committed to reviving the JCPOA.

Despite reports of contacts ramping up in recent weeks via Oman, US officials say a deal with Iran is not in the cards for now, amid Tehran’s expanded supply of weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine.