NEW YORK: Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and close ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, reportedly met with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, in an effort to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington, The New York Times reported on Thursday.
According to the report, which cited unnamed Iranian sources, the meeting was described as “positive” and lasted over an hour at a secret location on Monday. Neither Trump’s transition team nor Iran’s mission to the United Nations confirmed the meeting, with the latter declining to comment.
If verified, the encounter could signal Trump’s interest in pursuing diplomacy with Iran, in contrast to the hawkish stance favored by many within his Republican Party and by Israel. It would also underscore Musk’s significant influence as an advisor to Trump, with reports suggesting he has been deeply involved in discussions, even participating in calls with foreign leaders.
During his previous term, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, opting instead for a “maximum pressure” campaign, including efforts to block international purchases of Iranian oil. Despite this, Trump has portrayed himself as a skilled negotiator and has hinted at a willingness to engage diplomatically, even as he continues to express strong support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has overseen military actions against Iran amid Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, viewed as a moderate, stated on Thursday during a meeting with the UN nuclear watchdog chief that Tehran is committed to clarifying any doubts about the peaceful intentions of its nuclear program.