Iran denies Musk’s meeting in New York

Iran‘s Foreign Ministry has firmly denied reports of an alleged meeting between Elon Musk and Iran’s representative to the United Nations. In an interview with state news agency Irna, Foreign Office spokesman Ismail Baghai expressed surprise at the “extensive media coverage” of the case in the American media.

The New York Times reported Thursday that the tech billionaire – a close adviser to US President Donald Trump – and Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Said Irawani met in New York on Monday for an hour-long conversation. It was seen as a sign of how strained relations between Iran and the US could ease. The two countries do not have diplomatic relations.

Trump stood for a hard line against Iran

At the start of his term in office, Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian spoke out in favor of improving relations with the West – and his country has a particular interest in de-escalating tensions with the US, also with a view to the upcoming change of power in Washington: After all, Trump in his first term was for a hard line against Iran.

Tehran wants to start new nuclear talks to ease tough international sanctions. The country is suffering from the worst economic crisis in its history. In addition, there is now a risk of open war with Israel, which receives military support from the US.