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WASHINGTON — According to a U.S. official, Iran has initiated contact with Elon Musk as part of a broader strategy to alleviate tensions with President-elect Donald Trump. The meeting, which included Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani and Musk—who is set to advise the incoming administration—took place in New York on Monday.
The discussions reportedly encompassed several important issues, particularly focusing on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its backing of anti-Israel groups in the region, and the potential for improving diplomatic ties with the U.S.
While the official spoke on condition of anonymity, it was noted that the meeting did not take place at the Iranian U.N. mission, and neither party reached any immediate conclusions during their discussions. The Trump team has not confirmed the meeting, which was first reported by The New York Times.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition, emphasized the trust the American electorate has placed in Trump, stating, “The American people re-elected President Trump because they trust him to lead our country and restore peace through strength around the world. When he returns to the White House, he will take the necessary action to do just that.”
Iran’s mission to the United Nations refrained from commenting on the meeting. This outreach from Iran comes as Trump finalizes his foreign policy team, which includes Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser—both of whom are viewed as likely to adopt a hawkish stance toward Iran.
U.S. intelligence has indicated that Iran appears to oppose Trump’s term, believing he would intensify existing hostilities between the two countries. The outgoing administration had previously abrogated a nuclear agreement with Iran, reinstated sanctions, and ordered the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, which led to vehement declarations of revenge from Iranian leaders.
Recently, the Justice Department unveiled an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, implicating an individual who purportedly received orders from an Iranian official. However, the Iranian foreign ministry has dismissed these allegations.
This plot aligns with what authorities describe as ongoing Iranian efforts to target U.S. officials, including Trump himself. For instance, just last summer, a Pakistani man with purported ties to Iran was charged in a similar murder-for-hire scheme aimed at U.S. officials.
Furthermore, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Iran communicated to the Biden administration on October 14 that it would refrain from any attempts on Trump’s life, responding to a U.S. warning that such an action would constitute a declaration of war.
In addressing inquiries regarding these claims, Iran’s U.N. mission stated that it typically does not disclose public communications between governments. However, it reiterated its commitment to pursuing accountability in the assassination of Soleimani through established legal frameworks and adhering to international law.
Despite Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s repeatedly voiced contempt for Trump, Iran’s reformist president has indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue to seek relief from crippling sanctions.
The Trump transition team has yet to respond to requests regarding the recent statements from the Iranian mission.
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Lederer reported from the United Nations. AP reporter Michelle L. Price contributed from West Palm Beach, Florida.
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