The State Department has deleted embattled Iran envoy Rob Malley’s biography from its website amid an investigation into Malley’s alleged mishandling of classified information.
Malley’s biography is no longer featured on the State Department's official web portal, hinting that the official may no longer be employed even as the department maintains that Malley is "on leave" from his posting for undisclosed reasons. The Iran envoy’s official Twitter page also no longer features Malley’s image, which is now replaced with a photograph of acting special envoy Abram Paley, who has taken on Malley’s duties.
Malley has been missing in action for months, but was formally placed on unpaid leave late last month after news broke of an investigation into his mishandling of classified information. Malley’s security clearance was revoked while the FBI reportedly probes the matter.
The investigation into Malley has fueled speculation across Capitol Hill as the Biden administration secretly negotiates a revamped version of the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran. Malley was leading these talks until he quietly went on extended leave earlier this month.
House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul (R., Texas) pressed the State Department for answers earlier this month, but his investigation is being stonewalled, the Washington Free Beacon reported Wednesday. The State Department informed McCaul that it is "not in a position to provide further documents or information related to this personnel-security clearance matter."
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