In a recent development that has raised eyebrows in Washington, Republican Texas Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has voiced concerns over what he believes to be sensitive U.S. government documents falling into the hands of media outlets sympathetic to the Iranian regime.
McCaul's alarm was triggered on Monday when the Tehran Times, an Iranian publication known for its pro-regime stance, published what seemed to be an internal State Department memo. The memo indicated that Robert Malley, the U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, had his security clearance suspended.
McCaul expressed his apprehension in a press release, stating, "If this memo is authentic, it is extremely concerning especially since this is not the first time the Iranian regimes mouthpiece has appeared to have sensitive U.S. government information recently while Congress is kept in the dark."
The Texas Representative further emphasized the gravity of the situation, adding, "This latest chapter raises serious questions about how the regime obtained this potentially authentic document and what other sensitive or classified information they may have. The State Department needs to do a top to bottom security review, because I am concerned they have a leak."
Previously, the Tehran Times had published several stories detailing Malley's downfall, including an audio tape of Malley discussing the Biden administrations Iran policy agenda.
Malley is currently under investigation by the House Foreign Affairs Committee for alleged mishandling of classified information during his efforts to restart negotiations with Iran as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal initiated by the Obama administration.
Reports suggest that Malley's security clearance was revoked in July, and he was subsequently placed on leave by the State Department. McCaul had requested documents related to Malleys suspension from the State Department in June, but the Department informed him in July that it would not provide any details on the allegations against Malley.
In addition to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the FBI is also investigating Malley's handling of classified materials, according to CBS. However, it remains unclear whether the FBI is treating Malleys situation as a criminal matter.
Malley was previously dismissed from Barack Obamas 2008 Democratic presidential campaign for organizing communications with the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas, as reported by the Washington Free Beacon.
Iran is currently listed on the State Departments list of countries of particular concern due to its systematic violations of religious freedom. The U.S. government advises Americans against traveling to Iran due to the risk of wrongful detention and other potential hazards.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the State Department told the Daily Caller that they were aware of the Tehran Times reports but declined to comment on internal matters. The spokesperson confirmed that Malley remains on leave.
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