Iran denies Musk meeting in New York

Denial from Tehran

Iran denies Musk meeting in New York

US media reported on a meeting between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Iran’s representative at the United Nations. Tehran speaks of a media “staging”.

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

The New York Times reported on Thursday that the tech billionaire – a close advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump – and Iranian UN Ambassador Amir Said Irawani met in New York on Monday for an hour-long conversation. It was seen as a sign of possible easing of strained relations between Iran and the USA. Both countries do not have diplomatic relations.

At the beginning of his term in office, Iran’s President Massoud Peseschkian spoke out in favor of improving relations with the West – and his country is particularly interested in defusing tensions with the USA, also with a view to the impending change of power in Washington: After all, Trump was in his first Term for a hard line against Iran.

Tehran wants to initiate new nuclear talks in order to ease the tough international sanctions. The country is experiencing the worst economic crisis in its history. In addition, there is now a threat of open war with Israel, which is supported militarily by the USA.