WASHINGTON: Elon Musk, tech billionaire and adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump, reportedly met with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, on Monday, New York Times reported.
The New York Times, citing two Iranian officials, reported that Musk and Iravani’s hour-long meeting, held at a secret location in New York, centred on defusing tensions between Iran and the United States.
Neither Musk nor Trump’s transition team has commented on the reported meeting, and Iran’s mission to the United Nations also declined to respond. Biden administration officials at the UN were not informed about the meeting and have not received independent confirmation of its occurrence, a US official told CNN.
The timing of the reported meeting, just after Trump’s electoral victory, has drawn the attention of experts who warn that Trump’s return could revive the “maximum pressure” campaign.
Analysts note that during Trump’s first term, his administration imposed sanctions that significantly impacted Iran’s economy. Under Trump, US policy included sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, financial systems, and extensive support for militant groups across the Middle East.
Since Trump left office, Iran has ramped up its uranium enrichment, raised oil exports, increased support to regional militias, and even carried out direct strikes on Israel on two occasions.
With Trump’s impending return to office, the trajectory of US-Iran relations remains uncertain, though some suggest Musk’s involvement may hint at a diplomatic approach within the new administration.
Moreover, Musk’s meeting with Iravani has raised questions about his future influence on US foreign policy as a top Trump adviser. Last week, Musk participated in a call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he was reportedly thanked by Zelensky for his support in providing Starlink communication services for Ukraine’s war efforts.
On Tuesday, Trump announced Musk’s appointment, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency.” The new agency, which Trump says will provide external advice on government operations, is already facing concerns over potential conflicts of interest due to Musk’s significant federal contracts with NASA, the US military, and other agencies.
It remains unclear if the proposed department, which would potentially shift government operations and spending, will garner support even among a Republican-majority Congress.
