UANI Calls For Congressional Investigation Into U.S. Special Envoy’s Conduct

(New York, N.Y.) — United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) Chairman Senator Joseph I. Lieberman and CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace released the following joint statement today following reports that the U.S. Department of State’s Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley’s security clearance has been suspended and that he has been placed on unpaid leave from his position. 

“Reports that U.S. officials were sufficiently concerned by Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley’s conduct to suspend his security clearance and that he has been placed on unpaid leave from his position are of grave concern. It is imperative that the Biden administration disclose how long it has withheld from Congress that consequential diplomatic engagements have been led by someone other than Mr. Malley and when the alleged mishandling of classified information took place. A fulsome explanation is especially critical right now in light of recent developments regarding ‘informal’ talks the administration has engaged in with Iran regarding its nuclear program.  

“Congress must investigate whether any misconduct colored Mr. Malley’s counsel to President Obama, President Biden, or both. Further, as a co-equal branch of government, Congress must insist that President Biden comply with federal law and afford it the opportunity to review and approve any agreement or so-called ‘understanding’ with the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program. 

“The status quo of allowing the executive branch to direct Iran policy on its own and in a partisan manner has been a slow-rolling disaster for nearly a decade. This can be a turning point if Congress asserts itself and exercises its authority on a bipartisan basis, and we urge both parties to recognize the gravity of the situation and act accordingly.” 

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