According to a State Department official who spoke to Al Arabiya English on Thursday night, the US special envoy for Iran, Rob Malley, is currently on leave and has been replaced. Abram Paley is now serving as the acting Special Envoy for Iran and is leading the Department’s efforts in this field. State Department Spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed this information in an emailed statement.
Malley told CNN earlier that his security clearance was 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,” Malley said.

Citing a US official, CNN said Malley was suspended earlier in the year after a probe into his handling of classified material.

A separate source told CNN that Malley had been placed on unpaid leave as of Thursday.