Iran envoy Robert Malley may have accessed classified information despite his security clearance being suspended, according to a State Department investigation.
The State Department's Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released a report alleging that Iran envoy Robert Malley accessed classified information while his security clearance was paused. The allegations stem from a "classified conference call" with the White House to which Malley was invited.
OIG did not interview Malley but found evidence that his deputy notified a White House official of his participation in the call. Additionally, Malley accessed the office where the call would have occurred, despite his clearance suspension.
Robert Malley Accused of Unauthorized Access to Classified Information
Malley's clearance was suspended in April 2023 over allegations of storing classified information on his personal email and phone, which was later compromised by a cyber attack. The FBI is investigating whether Malley committed crimes by handling classified information inappropriately.
Despite the allegations, Malley was permitted to continue working on unclassified matters while his clearance was suspended. He was eventually placed on unpaid leave in June 2023 and has remained suspended since.
Robert Malley Accused of Unauthorized Access to Classified Information
Republicans have accused the Biden administration of colluding with Iran based on the OIG report. Senator Bill Hagerty has pointed to Malley's alleged connections to the "Iran Experts Initiative," an influence network linked to the Iranian government.
Two people commissioned by the Iranian Foreign Ministry have served as top aides to Malley, further fueling allegations of Iranian influence within the Biden administration.
Robert Malley Accused of Unauthorized Access to Classified Information
The OIG report highlights a lack of supervision and accountability within the State Department regarding Malley's clearance suspension. Officials failed to inform Malley promptly and allowed him to continue accessing certain classified information.
Malley, who was appointed special envoy to Iran in April 2021, retains the title despite his suspension. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Mike McCaul and Senate Foreign Relations top Republican Jim Risch have expressed concern about the impact of Malley's actions on the administration's Iran policy.
Robert Malley Accused of Unauthorized Access to Classified Information
The report has reignited tensions between the Biden administration and Republicans over Iran policy. McCaul and Risch have demanded further information on Malley's infractions and their potential implications for national security.
The State Department and the White House have not responded publicly to the allegations against Malley. The investigation remains ongoing, and it is unclear when or if Malley will be cleared to resume his duties.
