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The US state department’s Iran envoy Rob Malley is on leave while his security clearance is under review in a potential setback to the resumption of indirect talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
“I have been informed that my security clearance is under review. I have not been provided any further information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favourably and soon,” Malley, who was appointed special envoy for Iran in January 2021, said in a statement.
Malley’s suspension was related to the handling of classified materials, a source familiar with the matter said.
Malley’s deputy Abram Paley would assume his duties as acting special envoy while he was on leave, the state department said in a statement that provided no further details.
Brett McGurk, President Joe Biden’s top Middle East adviser, has held quiet negotiations with Iranian officials on Tehran’s nuclear programme as well as American prisoners and other issues in recent weeks as part of a US push to soothe tensions.
The Biden administration has been looking for diplomatic ways to constrain Iran’s nuclear programme after former president Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out of the accord Tehran signed with world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018.
Malley has met several times with Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the UN.
This is a developing story
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