Rob Malley, the US special envoy to Iran, has been placed on unpaid leave following the suspension of his security clearance earlier this year

The suspension came amid an investigation into his management of classified material, according to multiple CNN sources.

A US official stated that Malley's clearance was revoked pending the conclusion of a State Department investigation into the potential misuse of classified information.

Thursday afternoon, according to another source familiar with the situation, he was placed on unpaid leave.

“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 favorably and soon. In the meantime, I am on leave,” Malley told CNN.

The Investigation

Malley remained on the job but was not permitted to access classified information for a period of time following the State Department investigation, according to a US official who requested anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.

Two sources with knowledge of the situation have verified that the State Department investigation revealed a problem with Malley's security clearance.

Matt Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, verified to CNN on Thursday afternoon that Malley was on leave, despite stating earlier in the day that Malley remained the special envoy for Iran.

“Rob Malley is on leave and Abram Paley is serving as acting Special Envoy for Iran and leading the Department’s work in this area,” Miller told CNN on Thursday afternoon, after earlier in the day saying that Malley remained in the role.

Previously, Malley played a key role in US efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, one of the most difficult foreign policy challenges facing the Biden administration in the wake of former President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the agreement that Malley played a key role in negotiating during the Obama administration.

In addition, he had taken the lead in efforts to secure the release of Americans unjustly detained in Iran.

Republican's Demands for Answers

JNS reported that the chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee is demanding answers from the State Department over an investigation into Iran special envoy Malley.

Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday after it was disclosed that Malley was placed on unpaid leave last week after losing his security clearance earlier this year amidst an investigation into his handling of classified documents.

“The Department’s failure to inform Congress of this matter demonstrates at best a lack of candor, and at worst represents deliberate and potentially unlawful misinformation,” the chairman wrote.

“Given the gravity of the situation, it is imperative that the Department expeditiously provide a full and transparent accounting of the circumstances surrounding Special Envoy Malley’s clearance suspension and investigation and the Department’s statements to Congress regarding Special Envoy Malley.”