ROME — An Italian journalist recently released from detention in Iran has shared her insights regarding her experience and the critical role her boyfriend’s communication with Elon Musk might have played in her freedom. Cecilia Sala, who was held for 21 days, reflected on the unusual tie between her situation and that of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini, who was sought by the United States. Her remarks came during her first televised interview since her release on January 8.
Sala, 29, was arrested in Tehran shortly after Italy apprehended Abedini on a U.S. warrant, leading to a complex three-nation diplomatic negotiation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the situation as a “diplomatic triangulation.” Ultimately, Sala returned home while Abedini was sent back to Iran following negotiations that lasted nearly three weeks.
As a journalist affiliated with Chora Media and Il Foglio, Sala noted that her boyfriend, Daniele Ranieri, reached out to Musk’s representative in Italy, Andrea Stroppa, after observing that Musk had met with Iran’s U.N. ambassador—a connection that suggested potential diplomatic channels. “This is about a case involving Iran, Italy, and the United States, making Elon Musk a key figure,” said Sala during her appearance on the talk show “Che Tempo Che Fa.” She added, “Daniele only received the response that ‘he is informed’ from Andrea Stroppa.”
In the wake of her release, Musk tweeted that he had a “small role” in her freedom. However, he also clarified, in response to coverage by the New York Times, that he had no direct communication with Iranian authorities and merely recommended support from the U.S. side. During the negotiations, Meloni was also seen meeting former President Donald Trump, indicating high-level diplomatic maneuvers were at play. Following this, Stroppa humorously shared a photoshopped image of Musk with pasta, linking it to Sala’s mother’s promise to cook for Musk as a gesture of thanks during his next visit to Italy.
Describing her time in detention, Sala expressed that she had anticipated a longer imprisonment due to the fate of other Western prisoners kept for over a year. She was particularly worried that Trump’s presidency could complicate her situation amid rising regional tensions, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. “If Donald Trump had made public statements about wanting to retaliate against Iranians, things could have turned dire for me,” she stated. “I was convinced I would be detained longer since many others have been.”
While in solitary confinement, Sala faced significant hardships, including being deprived of her glasses or contact lenses, essential for her vision. She recounted being interrogated for hours while blindfolded by an English-speaking individual who exhibited extensive knowledge of Italy. Her request for an English translation of the Quran was denied, contributing to the sense of disorientation she experienced. “With the constant bright lights, continuous isolation, and lack of communication, it felt like I was losing touch with reality,” she recounted.
Now that she has regained her freedom, Sala expressed mixed emotions, experiencing joyful moments intertwined with anxiety that she is still figuring out how to manage.
