- However, it is believed he had been suspended as early as April.
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Republicans Demand Answers On Iran Policy, Envoy's Suspension
Several US senators have expressed concern over the threats posed by Iran, with Republican Rick Scott stating that governments worldwide are worried about the regime.
Senator Scott of Florida told Iran International’s Arash Alaei, "I was just in the Middle East, and all I heard about was the menace of Iran."
"While in Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE, all of them were concerned about Iran's actions. I was there when Israel had to eliminate terrorists in Jenin... and when Iranian ships attempted to halt two tankers, but the US Navy intervened. Iran is a threat to the world," he added.
He also criticized the performance of US envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, stating that the last thing the US wants is another nuclear deal with the regime.
Reacting to the controversy surrounding Malley's secret leave of absence and the FBI's investigation into his mishandling of classified information, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) stated that it reflects the entire administration's policy toward Iran, which he believes makes no sense and is nothing short of disastrous.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) (left) and Iran International’s correspondent Arash Alaei on July 11, 2023
Malley’s suspension was first reported by Iran International June 29, and formally announced the following day by Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, calling it "a leave of absence”, adding that his duties would be temporarily assumed by his deputy, Abram Paley. However, it is believed he had been suspended as early as April.
Senator Hawley described the administration's policy on Iran as a "disaster" from day one and said, "The more we know, the worse it gets."
He expressed outrage at the administration's lack of transparency regarding Malley and his efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear accord. Referring to an article by Tehran Times, a publication controlled by the Iranian regime that provided astonishing details about Malley's situation, Senator Hawley criticized the government for not being forthcoming. He said, "You have a totalitarian regime publishing all this information and knowing it, yet your own government won't be honest with us about it." He further stated, "It's ridiculous."
"I feel like I've been lied to... They (the administration) lie to us all the time on various issues, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, China... It's a pattern in this administration."
Republican and sone Democrats have been opposed to President Joe Biden's policy of negotiating with the Islamic Republic to revive the 2015 JCPOA agreement that former President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018. The talks came to a deadlock in September 2022, after 18 months of multilateral diplomacy.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) also criticized Malley for his handling of Iran-related issues, stating, "I don't know the specific details, but I have always believed he was a terrible negotiator... I have never been a fan of his negotiations or their outcomes."
CBS News also confirmed Monday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating Robert Malley, although the matter is not considered criminal.
West must be held accountable for helping Saddam during war: Iran Envoy
Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani has strongly criticized certain western countries for supporting and helping former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein during the war against Tehran, stressing that they should be held accountable for what they have done.
“Western countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, bear a responsibility for supporting and collaborating with the Saddam regime during Iraq’s war against Iran,” Iravani said addressing the UN Security Counci aession on the ‘Situation in the Middle East: (Syria-Chemical).
The full text of Iravani’s speech is as follows:
Madam. President,
Iran once again condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances. The use of such lethal weapons is a flagrant violation of international law, constitutes a crime against humanity, and poses a serious threat to international peace and security.
Madam. President,
Iran has tragically been one of the primary victims of chemical weapons. On June 28, 1987, the city of Sardasht in Iran endured a devastating chemical weapons attack, leading to the immense suffering and loss of innocent civilians, including women and children.
Western countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, bear a responsibility for supporting and collaborating with the Saddam regime during Iraq’s war against Iran. Their complicity enabled the systematic use of chemical weapons against the Iranian people, an act that should not be forgotten.
The silence or active participation of Western countries in these atrocities undermined the pursuit of justice and revealed blatant double standards. This also hindered the UN Security Council’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities and hold perpetrators accountable for such heinous crimes.
Madam. President,
The Syrian Arab Republic remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. In alignment with this commitment, the Syrian government has maintained a constructive and cooperative approach towards the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The Secretariat report confirms that all 27 declared chemical weapons production facilities (CWPFs) in Syria have been successfully destroyed. To ensure transparency and accountability, Syria has been regularly submitting monthly reports on the progress of chemical weapons dismantlement.
In May and June 2023, Syria submitted its 114th and 115th monthly reports to the OPCW Director-General, providing details of the activities carried out to dismantle chemical weapons and their production facilities. Moreover, Syria has facilitated two visits by a reduced team from the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) to Damascus this year. During these visits, the Syrian National Authority extended its full cooperation by allowing access to sites, collecting samples, and conducting interviews with witnesses.
In line with the suggestion made by the Syrian National Authority, a separate meeting with a higher-level DAT was held in Beirut at the end of the last month, demonstrating Syria’s commitment to engagement and cooperation.
Additionally, the Syrian National Authority has agreed to extend the tripartite agreement between the Syrian Arab Republic, the OPCW technical secretariat, and the United Nations Office for Project Services. This extension, effective until the 31st of December this year, aims to facilitate the tasks and activities of the OPCW in Syria.
Madam President,
Through these actions, Syria is actively demonstrating its dedication to fulfilling its obligations and cooperating with the OPCW in the pursuit of the complete eradication of chemical weapons within its territory.
We fully support promoting constructive dialogue between Syria and the OPCW at the highest level, setting a specific timeframe to address any remaining issues and bring the file to a final and conclusive closure. Such an approach will ensure transparency, accountability, and a satisfactory resolution to all outstanding matters related to chemical weapons in Syria. In this context, we applaud Syria’s determination to convene such a high-level meeting.
Madam President,
The integrity and credibility of the OPCW, as an international body, hinge on its ability to remain neutral and objective, guided solely by scientific and technical considerations. This approach is essential in effectively preventing the use of chemical weapons and advancing the goals of the Convention.
Furthermore, any investigation must be impartial, professional, reliable, and objective. Such investigations must fully adhere to the requirements and procedures outlined in the Convention.
To effectively address unresolved issues and maintain the technical nature of discussions, it is crucial to avoid politicizing the matter and employing double standards. By doing so, we can work towards justice, accountability, and the prevention of further atrocities.
Thank you, Madam President
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