Republican says Congress 'kept in dark' as Iran envoy saga develops
Congressional Republicans are furious after the Tehran Times published a letter purportedly from the State Department discussing the suspension of Malley’s security clearance.
WASHINGTON — The Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee demanded answers from the US State Department on Monday night after Iranian outlets published details about the suspension of Iran envoy Rob Malley.
“I have requested transparency from the State Department on the ongoing Robert Malley saga and will continue to demand answers,” Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said in a statement.
On Sunday, the Tehran Times published a letter dated April 21 purportedly from the State Department to Malley detailing his case. It stated that his “continued national security eligibility is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security.” It read that his clearance was suspended pending an investigation, and asked him to turn in his government-issued credentials and diplomatic passport.
The State Department announced in June that Malley was put “on leave.” The envoy said at the time that his security clearance was under review. Some outlets have reported that Malley was on unpaid leave as the State Department investigates his possible mishandling of classified information.
