Elon Musk met with Iran’s UN Ambassador to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington.
According to The New York Times, the tech billionaire, closely aligned with US President-elect Donald Trump, engaged in what Iranian sources called a “positive” discussion with Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani on Monday. The meeting lasted over an hour at an undisclosed location.
The interaction remains unconfirmed by the Trump transition team and Iran’s UN mission. However, if verified, this meeting could signal Trump’s willingness to engage diplomatically with Iran, moving away from the hawkish strategies favoured by some US conservatives and Israel.
This meeting also underscores Musk’s significant influence, as seen in his frequent appearances alongside Trump and his participation in calls with global leaders. Trump, known for his “maximum pressure” approach to Iran, has shown a renewed interest in diplomacy, aligning with his self-portrayal as a skilled dealmaker.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently emphasized his commitment to clarifying the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. During their meeting, Iran’s ambassador urged Musk to advocate for US sanctions exemptions to facilitate business engagements in Tehran.
Read: Iranian President Asserts Willingness to Clarify Nuclear Program
Additionally, Trump has tasked Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy with leading a new “Department of Government Efficiency,” aiming to streamline federal operations. This move has sparked debate over potential conflicts of interest due to Musk’s business dealings with the government. The department’s X account, previously known as Twitter, calls for applicants ready to undertake significant cost-cutting measures.
