US Group Calls For Congressional Investigation Over Iran Envoy

United Against Nuclear Iran, an advocacy group, has called for a Congressional investigation regarding lack of transparency by the White House over the suspension of US Iran envoy.

Robert Malley, who was appointed as Special US Envoy for Iran in early 2021 and conducted nuclear negotiations with Tehran has been suspended without pay, pending an investigation of his security clearance status.

“It is imperative that the Biden administration disclose how long it has withheld from Congress that consequential diplomatic engagements have been led by someone other than Mr. Malley and when the alleged mishandling of classified information took place, a statement issued Friday by UANI said.

Malley was apparently “on leave” at least since the beginning of May, but the administration never disclosed the real reason for his absence as it was holding indirect talks with Iran.

Malley was one of the architects of the controversial 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal with Iran and was also an advisor to President Barack Obama.

“Congress must investigate whether any misconduct colored Mr. Malley’s counsel to President Obama, President Biden, or both. Further, as a co-equal branch of government, Congress must insist that President Biden comply with federal law and afford it the opportunity to review and approve any agreement or so-called ‘understanding’ with the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program,” UANI added.

Many lawmakers in the US Senate and House of Representatives have voiced concern over reports about the Biden administration planning to make an interim and limited deal with Iran in unwritten form to avoid Congressional review.