State Department mishandled ex-Iran envoy’s security clearance - probe

An internal probe obtained by Iran International reveals that the US State Department violated regulations by not reporting allegations against former Iran envoy Rob Malley to the department's watchdog.

The state department has yet to release details of these allegations which led to the revocation of Malley's security clearance, and effectively ended his mandate.

The report, initiated by the State Department's Inspector General months ago, highlights procedural lapses that likely allowed Malley to engage in activities beyond his authorized scope of work even after the suspension of his role.

Key issues highlighted in the report are the delay in notifying Malley of his clearance suspension and the department’s failure to inform other staff that Malley was no longer permitted to access classified materials.

The mismanagement allowed Malley to continue participating in sensitive work, including “the opportunity to participate in a classified conference call” after the suspension was approved.

Two influential congressmen suggested in May that Malley lost his security clearance because he had transferred classified documents to his personal email and cell phone, and the documents were then stolen by a hostile cyber actor.

According to the internal report, the State Department justified its decision to allow Malley to keep his access to sensitive but unclassified systems, citing concerns over his potential use of personal email. Use of personal email is prohibited at the state department for conducting official business.

'Hostile cyber actor'

Malley’s security clearance was suspended over a year ago due to alleged mishandling of classified information, sparking confusion over his duties and restrictions during the suspension period.

The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into Malley's handling of classified material.

Some reports suggest that a "hostile cyber actor" may have compromised Malley’s email, raising concerns that foreign actors, possibly linked to Iran, may have accessed the information. Malley has denied any wrongdoing.

Appointed by President Biden in early 2021, Malley was tasked with leading the administration’s efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran which had been abandoned by Donald Trump in 2018. However, after nearly two years in the role, Malley was placed on leave and and his security clearance suspended, first reported by Iran International in June last year.

Republican lawmakers quickly sought clarity on Malley’s suspension circumstances but faced repeated refusals from the State Department. This led Senator Jim Risch, the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to suggest during a hearing that a subpoena might be necessary to compel the department to release the requested information.

Initial revelations: the IEI

Iran International and Semafor revealed in September 2023 an alleged Iranian influence operation in Washington involving individuals connected to Malley. The Iran Expert Initiative (IEI) was created to promote Iran’s nuclear program in op-eds and media appearances.

In May 2024, Semafor reported that Malley may have shared classified information with unauthorized individuals as part of his diplomatic efforts. Documents on Malley’s personal devices were said to range from sensitive but unclassified to classified, and may have included detailed notes of his meetings with Iranian officials as well as information on the US government's response to the protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini.

The revelations amplified the scrutiny surrounding his case, with the House Oversight Committee announcing plans to subpoena Malley as part of its investigation into US policies toward Iran.

The political ramifications of Malley's case have also caused anger in Washington. Republican lawmakers have pushed for more transparency from the administration. The introduction of the ROBERT MALLEY Act by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney reflects efforts to hold government agencies accountable for providing Congress with timely information about employee suspensions or furloughs.