Elon Musk, newly appointed co-director of a government efficiency agency, secretly met with Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, to discuss reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The meeting took place on Monday, 11 November, at a location chosen by Iravani and lasted over an hour, according to The New York Times.
Anonymous Iranian sources described the meeting as “positive” and “good news.” One Iranian official noted, “Musk had requested the meeting, and the site was picked by the Iranian ambassador.”
During the talks, Iravani urged Musk to seek exemptions from US sanctions and explore business opportunities in Tehran, an Iranian Foreign Ministry official revealed.
The Trump transition team and Iran’s mission to the UN have not confirmed the meeting, but if true, it suggests Trump may favour diplomacy with Tehran over the hawkish stance popular among Republicans and Israeli allies.
This potential shift comes despite a tense history between Trump and Iran. During his last presidency, Trump exited the 2015 nuclear accord, imposed sanctions, and ordered the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassim Suleimani.
Musk has increasingly wielded influence in Trump’s transition, joining calls with global leaders and maintaining a pivotal role in Ukraine’s communications during its conflict with Russia.