State Department mishandled security clearance suspension of Iran envoy, watchdog reports

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The State Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has reported significant mismanagement in handling the security clearance suspension of Robert Malley, the Biden administration’s envoy to Iran. According to the report, Malley’s clearance was suspended, but the State Department restored his access to sensitive systems and did not inform him of his suspension before he may have attended classified meetings.

The OIG found that Malley was given access to the OpenNet system, which is typically restricted for employees in similar circumstances. This decision was reportedly made due to concerns that Malley might use his personal email account for government work—a violation he was already under investigation for. The investigation revealed Malley had been using a personal email account for sensitive government business, breaching State Department regulations.

Malley, a key Iran adviser who worked closely with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, publicly announced his clearance was under review in June 2023, but he was unaware of the reason at the time. Despite the security concerns, the report found no evidence that Malley mishandled classified information after being notified of his suspension.

The OIG report also criticized the State Department for failing to notify Congress of the suspension in a timely manner. In response, the Department has agreed to implement all five recommendations made by the OIG.