Elon Musk reportedly met, Monday in New York, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's ambassador to the UN, the New York Times revealed this Thursday. The two men reportedly discussed ways to reduce tensions between the two countries, according to two Iranian officials. The latter described the meeting as “positive” and “good news”, specifying that it had lasted more than an hour in an undisclosed location.
Asked about the existence of this meeting, Steven Cheung, Donald Trump's communications director, said: “We do not comment on reports of private meetings that may or may not have taken place. » For his part, Elon Musk did not respond to requests, indicates the New York daily.
A possible change of tone
The initiative of Elon Musk, who himself requested the meeting according to Iranian officials, could herald a change of tone between Washington and Tehran, despite the tense history of the Trump administration with Iran. During his first term, Donald Trump left the 2015 nuclear agreement, imposed heavy economic sanctions and ordered the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, actions which led Iran to ban any dialogue with his administration.
However, his recent election has reopened the debate in Iran on a possible negotiation. “Disputes can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and good will. Iran has never left the negotiating table on its peaceful nuclear program,” Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared on X on Thursday.
Musk's role in diplomacy
According to Iranian officials, the meeting with Elon Musk avoided direct contact with a U.S. official, although Elon Musk, named co-director of a new agency on government effectiveness, will soon take on an official role. During the meeting, Amir Saeid Iravani reportedly suggested that Elon Musk seek sanctions exemptions from the US Treasury and consider bringing some of his companies to Iran.
Ali Vaez, director for Iran of the International Crisis Group, believes this opening could be significant. “Overall, anything is possible with Donald Trump. He seems interested in an agreement with Iran,” reports the daily. Neither Amir Saeid Iravani nor the Iranian mission to the United Nations wished to comment publicly on this meeting.
