(Reuters) – A senior U.S. Republican lawmaker has strongly criticized the State Department’s response to his inquiry regarding the security clearance review of the U.S. special envoy for Iran. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House of Representatives committee on foreign affairs, sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on June 30, demanding a “full and transparent accounting” of the investigation into envoy Rob Malley. In response, Naz Durakoglu, the assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs, stated that due to established policies and practices, the department is unable to provide further information related to the matter.
In a letter made public by McCaul’s office, Durakoglu explained that the State Department has a comprehensive process to evaluate individuals’ eligibility for accessing classified information. The agency has placed Malley on unpaid leave since June 29, following the news of his security clearance review. McCaul strongly criticized this response, stating, “This is an absolutely unacceptable response.” He further emphasized the need for Congress to know the reasons behind Malley’s suspension and ongoing FBI investigation, announcing his intention to request a classified briefing from the agency next week.
When news broke on June 29 that his security clearance was under review, Malley made a statement, saying, “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.”
During a regular briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesman Matt Miller confirmed that Malley ceased performing his duties as the special envoy for Iran on June 29 and began his leave “several weeks before that.” However, he refrained from disclosing additional details.
Appointed shortly after President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, Malley’s role was to lead efforts in reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Former President Donald Trump, a Republican, had withdrawn from the agreement in 2018 and reinstated U.S. sanctions on Iran. In June, Iranian and Western officials revealed that the United States has engaged in talks with Iran to de-escalate tensions by outlining measures to limit Iran’s nuclear program, release detained U.S. citizens, and unfreeze Iranian assets abroad. However, these negotiations have thus far been unsuccessful.
(Reporting by Arshad Mohammed and Simon Lewis; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
