ALBAWABA - Claims that American entrepreneur Elon Musk met with Iran's ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, to discuss reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington have been categorically denied by Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani made the denial on Saturday, according to the state news agency IRNA.
Musk, who is well-known for his strong relationship with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, met with Iravani in secret on Monday, according to a previous report from the New York Times. According to the article, which cited anonymous Iranian sources, the hour-long meeting took place at a private location and was characterized as "positive."
However, Kanaani denied these claims, saying, "Iran categorically denies the occurrence of such a meeting and is astonished by the coverage from American media outlets."
Iranian media responded to the allegations in a variety of ways. According to some sources, if confirmed, the meeting might be a "positive step" in lowering tensions. Others, on the other hand, denounced the notion as a "betrayal" and advised exercising caution when reading the alleged meeting's implications.
Since 1980, the United States and Iran have no diplomatic ties. As part of a "maximum pressure" approach, Trump reinstated harsh sanctions on Iran during his first term, and the Biden administration has maintained this position.
Iran called for a new approach to bilateral relations earlier this month, indicating a willingness to engage with Trump. Iran has been charged by U.S. officials of participating in an assassination plot against Trump.
Kanaani reaffirmed Iran's stance that the allegations were unfounded while conjecture persisted. The reports, according to observers, come at a time when emotions are high, further complicating the already tense relationship between the two countries.
