US special envoy to Iran suspended for alleged mishandling of classified documents

June 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –

US special envoy for Iran Robert Malley has been suspended from his post after his security clearance was disrupted earlier this year over an investigation into his handling of classified material.

As the television network has learned, since the beginning of the State Department investigation, Malley has remained in the post but has not been allowed access to classified information.

Malley has reported that he will be on leave while his security clearance is being reviewed: “No further information has been provided to me, but I hope the investigation is resolved favorably and soon,” he told the Bloomberg news agency.

The spokesman for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, at the press conference on Thursday had indicated that Malley was still the special envoy for Iran. However, hours later he indicated that the person investigated is suspended while the interim special envoy for Iran will be Abram Paley.

This temporary changing of the guard comes amid continuing signs of progress toward a partial US-Iran deal, which could involve the return of US citizens held by Tehran.