US House Committee Pursues Subpoena For Robert Malley

The US House Oversight Committee plans to subpoena Robert Malley, the suspended special envoy to Iran, as part of its investigation into US policies towards Iran.

According to senior committee aides speaking to Semafor website, the committee alleges that the government has obstructed Congress's repeated attempts to uncover the reasons behind the revocation of Malley's security clearance by US Diplomatic Security in April, which occurred two months prior to him being placed on unpaid leave.

Subsequently, US officials have informed Semafor that the FBI is conducting an investigation into Malley for the suspected mishandling of classified information.

The question is now to understand the truth surrounding Malley’s departure and his role in shaping overall Iran policy in addition to his involvement in negotiating the release of frozen Iranian oil revenues.

The committee is also seeking information about Ariane Tabatabai's security clearance and her involvement in the Iran Experts Initiative, a program that aimed to promote Iran's views on the nuclear negotiations. She serves as the Chief of Staff for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (SOLIC).

Congress seeks to understand how these individuals influenced US policies towards Iran, and their support for engaging the Iranian regime. Malley and Tabatabai have defended their involvement in the Iran Experts Initiative, while the International Crisis Group, Malley's former employer, disputes allegations that it was controlled by Tehran.

Concerns about the Biden administration's Iran policy have escalated following Hamas' attack on Israel and speculation about Iran's role in the war.

While Iranian officials have welcomed Hamas' Operation Al Aqsa Flood, which has seen the death of at least 1,500, thousands more injured and 199 people from dozens of nationalities taken hostage, Iran has denied direct involvement. However, as part of its proxy network, it funds Hamas around $100m a year and offers military and logistical support.