Middle East envoy Ross still on at State

WASHINGTON, June 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department maintains career diplomat Dennis Ross was not slated for a White House position as a top adviser on Iran.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz and several American newspapers published reports June 16 suggesting Ross would be "abruptly" removed from his position at the State Department to take on a larger role in Iran policy for U.S. President Barack Obama.

Ross works currently for the State Department as the special adviser for the Gulf and Southwest Asia, overseeing Iranian policy there.

Ian Kelly, the spokesman for the State Department, said Ross remains active in his current role.

"His job is here at State," the spokesman told reporters.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke with Ross during the weekend as Iranian protests turned violent in the wake of the disputed June 12 election that saw Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claiming victory within hours of the closing of the polls.

Kelly said the special adviser remains a key source on Iran at the State Department, saying all had "benefited from his insights."

Obama faces criticism over his stance on Iran, which has largely been one of cautious statements urging restraint and denying claims of meddling.

Speaking to White House reporters Tuesday, Obama stuck to his position that the political situation in Iran was largely an internal affair.