WASHINGTON — A U.S. official has confirmed that Iran successfully arranged a meeting with Elon Musk, reflecting an effort to reduce tensions with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. This discussion between Musk, who is aligned with Trump and appointed as an advisor on reducing government size, and Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani took place in New York on Monday.
Details shared by the official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the meeting, indicated that the conversation spanned a range of issues. Key points included Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its backing of various groups opposing Israel across the Middle East, and the potential for improved diplomatic relations with the United States. It was noted that Musk was approached for this dialogue by the Iranian representatives, and the meeting did not occur at Iran’s U.N. mission.
The transition team for Trump did not confirm or deny the meeting, a gathering first revealed by The New York Times. A spokesperson for Trump emphasized that the American public elected him to lead the nation and restore peace through strength, indicating a belief in forthcoming decisive actions once he resumes office.
Amid Trump’s ongoing appointment of significant foreign policy officials who are anticipated to adopt a hardline stance toward Iran—such as Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Representative Mike Waltz for National Security Advisor—Iran has made this outreach. U.S. intelligence has reported that Iran is hesitant about Trump’s second term because they perceive him as someone likely to escalate tensions between the United States and Iran. His administration had previously withdrawn from the nuclear deal with Iran, reinstated sanctions, and ordered the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, actions which led to promises of retaliation from Iranian leaders.
Recent revelations from the Justice Department highlighted an alleged Iranian murder plot targeting Trump, with charges against an individual who claimed to have been given instructions by an Iranian official in September. The Iranian foreign ministry dismissed these accusations. This alleged plot is part of a broader context in which U.S. officials have accused Iran of continually seeking to target American figures on U.S. soil. For instance, last summer witnessed charges against a Pakistani individual linked to Iran for attempting to carry out a murder-for-hire against U.S. officials.
Furthermore, reports by The Wall Street Journal have surfaced, citing unnamed U.S. officials, stating that Iran communicated to the Biden administration on October 14, expressing it would refrain from attempting to assassinate Trump. This communication purportedly responded to the U.S. warning that any such attempt would be treated as an act of war. When asked about this matter, Iran’s U.N. mission declined to publicly comment, reiterating their commitment to pursuing justice for Soleimani’s assassination through lawful means while respecting international law.
Even though Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has consistently voiced disapproval of Trump, the newly elected reformist president in Iran has expressed willingness for discussions aimed at alleviating international sanctions. The Trump transition team has not yet provided a response to requests for comments regarding the Iranian mission’s statements.