Biden’s Iran envoy on leave after classified material probe: Report.

President Joe Biden’s Special Envoy to Iran Placed on Leave Amid Investigation

CNN reported that Rob Malley, President Biden’s special envoy to Iran, has been placed on leave and had his security clearance suspended. The State Department launched an investigation into his handling of classified material, citing “possible mishandling of classified information.”

According to the report, Malley’s security clearance was revoked earlier this year, and he was put “on leave without pay” on Thursday.

BREAKING: U.S. envoy for Iran Rob Malley tells me: “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”

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) June 29, 2023

After the investigation concluded, Malley was reportedly allowed to remain in his role but was restricted from accessing classified material.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that U.S. officials discovered “an issue with Malley’s security clearance” during the investigation.

Controversial Stance and Criticism

Rob Malley has faced criticism for his perceived soft approach towards Iran and his anti-Israel stance. Last year, he received backlash for his tepid response to Iranian protesters who were demanding change in their government.

Malley’s reluctance to condemn the Iranian regime’s violent oppression of its people aligns with his prior history. He was not alone in the Biden administration in failing to acknowledge the Iranian people’s desire for freedom from their tyrannical government.

During the protests, Malley tweeted, “Marchers in Washington and cities around the world are showing their support for the Iranian people, who continue to peacefully demonstrate for their government to respect their dignity and human rights.” He later apologized for the tweet.

Bryan Leib, executive director of Iranian Americans for Liberty, criticized Malley, stating, “Robert Malley will go down in the history books as the most ineffective and feckless State Department official of the last 50 years. It’s time for him to go. His most recent gaffe on Twitter is just another example of how he has aligned the United States government with the Islamic Republic and not with liberty-seeking Iranian people. His fake apology is not accepted, and he should be terminated immediately.”

Richard Goldberg, senior adviser to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, emphasized the significance of Malley’s role, saying, “So long as Malley is special envoy, you know the administration’s policy remains offering sanctions relief to the regime in Tehran. If he leaves, it’ll be the first signal of a policy shift away from accommodating the regime and toward helping the Iranian people.”

Hank Berrien contributed to this report.

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