U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley said on Thursday his security clearance is under review, saying that he expects the investigation to end "favorably and soon" and in the meantime he was on leave.
"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," Malley told Reuters, confirming an earlier Axios report.
"In the meantime, I am on leave," he added.
Earlier, State Department spokesman Matt Miller said Malley was on leave but did not say why or for how long, saying Abram Paley was filling in on an acting basis.
CNN reported Malley was placed on leave without pay on Thursday, which occurred after his security clearance was suspended earlier this year amid an investigation into his handling of classified material.
Neither the State Department nor Malley immediately responded to requests for comment on the CNN story.
Related Story: Video Shows U.S. Iran Envoy Attending Conference with Pro-Iran Regime Lobbyists
