Iran's foreign ministry has refuted claims of a meeting between the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations and Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest person and a close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump. The denial comes in response to reports from a prominent newspaper suggesting that a meeting took place earlier in the week.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, categorically denied the alleged meeting and expressed surprise at the coverage in US media. The reported meeting between Musk and Iran's envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, was said to have occurred at a secret location in New York and focused on defusing tensions between the two countries.
Efforts to confirm the meeting with Musk, Trump's transition team, and the Iranian mission at the UN are currently underway. The speculation surrounding Musk's potential influence in the incoming administration, particularly in shaping US foreign policy, has sparked interest and raised questions.
Recent interactions between Musk and Trump, including a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky where Musk's assistance with providing communications through Starlink to Ukraine was acknowledged, have added to the intrigue. Trump's announcement of Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy leading a new 'Department of Government Efficiency' in his second administration has also drawn attention.
Musk's significant federal contracts, including those from NASA and the military, have prompted concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The proposed department, aimed at offering external advice and guidance on government operations, faces uncertainties regarding its implementation and approval by the US Congress.
