Robert Malley, who was placed on unpaid leave last June and had his security clearance suspended amid a State Department investigation, speaks in Rome on Nov. 30, 2017. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
The two Republican lawmakers added, "Specifically, we understand that Mr. Malley’s security clearance was suspended because he allegedly transferred classified documents to his personal email account and downloaded these documents to his personal cell phone. It is unclear to whom he intended to provide these documents, 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 GOP lawmakers also asked Blinken for additional information regarding the exact reasoning behind Malley's suspension, as well as the classification levels of the documents he stored on his personal devices and accounts that were said to have been hacked.
Among the many questions, the Republicans asked Blinken was whether Malley sent classified material to individuals who lacked security clearances and whether the alleged cyber actor was affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG), the Iranian military, or intelligence services.
The lawmakers also requested information on how Malley's personal email and/or cellphone were hacked, as well as whether the Biden administration has plans to allow Malley to return to the State Department.
"The allegations we have been privy to are extremely troubling and demand immediate answers," the lawmakers concluded in their letter to Blinken. "These allegations have substantial impact on our national security and people should be held accountable swiftly and strongly."
BIDEN’S SUSPENDED IRAN SPECIAL ENVOY ONCE PUSHED ENGAGEMENT WITH HAMAS, HEZBOLLAH TERROR GROUPS
President Biden tapped Robert Malley in January 2021 to try to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. (Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed to the New York Post on Tuesday that Malley remains on leave and that the department has given Congress information on personnel inquiries related to Iran policy. The spokesperson did not, however, comment on the allegations revealed in the letter to Blinken from Risch and McCaul.
Kyle Morris covers politics for Fox News. Story tips can be sent via email and on X: @RealKyleMorris.
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