U.S. special envoy for Iran Rob Malley on leave, says security clearance "under review"

Driving the news: The State Department first acknowledged that Malley was on leave in May when he didn't participate in a classified Senate briefing on Iran. The State Department didn't give the reasons, but said at the time that Malley was "still very much engaged on this issue."

• Malley told Axios Thursday that he has "been informed that my security clearance is under review. I have not been provided any further information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and soon. In the meantime, I am on leave."
• State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told Axios that "Rob Malley is on leave and Abram Paley is serving as acting Special Envoy and leading the department’s work in this area."
• The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
• CNN reported that Malley’s clearance was suspended amid a State Department diplomatic security investigation into the possible mishandling of classified information.