Top Republicans reveal allegations about why Biden’s envoy to Iran was suspended

Leading Republicans in Congress disclosed in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeking confirmation of why they believe the Biden administration’s special envoy to Iran may have been suspended from his post.

Robert Malley was the subject of controversy and scrutiny last year when MPs expressed anger at the government’s failure to explain the reason for his absence. Eventually it was revealed that he had been suspended for unknown reasons and was being investigated by the FBI.

This week, Republican foreign affairs leaders released a letter outlining the apparent reason for the suspension and investigation, alleging that Malley improperly stored confidential data on his personal phone that was then stolen by a hacker.

“Specifically, we understand that Mr. Malley’s security clearance has been suspended because he allegedly transferred classified documents to his personal email account and downloaded those documents to his personal cell phone,” said the letter, signed by the leader of the House of Representatives of Foreign Affairs, Mike McCaul (R-TX). ) and Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID). “It is unclear who he intended to provide these documents to, but it is believed that a hostile cyber actor was able to gain access to his email and/or phone and obtain the downloaded information.”

“The allegations we have become aware of are extremely concerning and require immediate responses,” the congressmen added. “These allegations have significant implications for our national security and people should be held quickly and forcefully accountable. We look forward to your immediate response.”

The letter demanded answers to a long list of questions, including whether the alleged hackers who got into his phone were linked to Iran.

The letter did not reveal how the two congressmen obtained the information, but it was clear that it did not come from the Biden administration.

The Washington Examiner has reached out to the State Department for comment.

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The revelation is significant as no information has been released about why Malley was suspended despite multiple requests.

Malley began his career during the Clinton administration and rose to prominence as the architect of former President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal in 2015. He tried to revive the deal in 2021 under Biden, without success. He was suspended in April 2023.