McCaul calls for increased transparency in Iran envoy Malley’s suspension.

House Foreign ⁤Affairs⁢ Committee Chairman Calls for Information on Investigation ⁢into Iran Envoy

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman⁢ Michael McCaul (R-TX) has reiterated his request ⁣for the State Department to provide information regarding the investigation into Iran⁣ envoy Robert ‍Malley. The chairman’s concerns‍ stem from the unknowns surrounding Malley’s absence, which prompted McCaul to write ‍a letter to Secretary of ⁣State Antony Blinken last week. According to CBS News, Malley has been on leave since at least⁣ June, and the FBI is currently investigating allegations that he mishandled classified ⁢documents.

State⁣ Department’s Response Raises Questions

The State Department ⁤has acknowledged⁤ that Malley is on leave but has declined to answer⁢ most other questions ⁤related⁢ to the situation. Late last month, John Bass, undersecretary of state for management,⁣ and Gentry Smith, assistant secretary​ of state for diplomatic security, ​briefed McCaul and ranking committee member Gregory Meeks ​(D-NY). ⁤However, McCaul and Subcommittee on⁣ Oversight and Accountability Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) expressed concern‌ that officials at the Department knew about ‍Malley’s situation for months ​but did not communicate it to ⁤Congress, ​despite bipartisan interest in receiving ⁤testimony or a ​briefing from Malley on ‌Iran policy.

The briefing provided by the State Department did not include the whole foreign affairs committee, only the chairman and ranking member.⁣ The department also ‌refused to ⁣share ‍any significant new information, including the⁢ reason for ⁣Malley’s security clearance ⁤revocation, according to a committee spokeswoman.

Malley’s New Roles at Princeton and⁤ Yale Raise Questions

While Malley remains on leave⁢ from ⁣the State ​Department, he has accepted positions at Yale’s Jackson School and ⁣Princeton’s ⁣School of Public and International ⁤Affairs. This development has raised questions about the potential duration of the investigation. In a press release⁢ from Princeton University, Malley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the next generation of public servants.

McCaul ‍and Mast have written to the Department, reiterating their request for notification and a briefing on any relevant‌ developments regarding ​Malley’s employment status and his access to classified information. They highlight ‍the significance of Malley’s new roles at​ Princeton and Yale,‍ suggesting that they indicate a change in his ⁣employment status ⁢and his departure⁢ from⁣ the State Department.

Concerns and Criticisms Surrounding Malley’s Involvement in Iran Nuclear ⁤Deal

McCaul previously raised concerns about the possibility of Malley transferring intelligence and secrets to a foreign nation adversary, which he ⁢considers treasonous. Malley has been ‌leading President Joe‌ Biden’s efforts to restart the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, but negotiations ​have not yet yielded a breakthrough, and the State Department has stated that it is not currently on the agenda. Malley was one of the architects of⁢ the original deal under the Obama administration.

Recently, the U.S. and Iran reached a separate deal ‍that ​involved the release of imprisoned Americans ⁢in exchange for ⁢the release of jailed Iranians and⁢ access to Iranian oil revenue. This proposal has faced criticism due to‍ concerns that it ⁣could incentivize bad actors to take Americans ⁢hostage for negotiation‌ purposes.

As the investigation into Malley continues, the House Foreign Affairs Committee⁣ remains committed to seeking transparency and accountability from the State Department.

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