State Department Mishandled Suspension of Iran Envoy, Says Watchdog

The State Department mishandled its suspension of Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, according to a report released by the department’s inspector general on Sept. 18. The department generally followed protocol, as Malley was placed on leave last year, but sidestepped it in how it delivered the suspension news to Malley, according to the report. This delay allowed Malley to partake in an April 21, 2023, classified conference call with White House officials despite the suspension being enacted, though he had not yet been notified of it. When a department employee has his or her security clearance suspended, he or she is asked by email to contact the official from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security that sent him or her the message, according to the department. Upon meeting the official, the employee is taken to the badge office....