Iran Holds Private Meeting with Elon Musk Amid Efforts to Ease Tensions with Trump Administration

Iran’s United Nations Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani recently met with Elon Musk, a key Trump ally and advisor, in New York, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. The meeting, held at an undisclosed location on Monday, marked a rare outreach from Tehran as it navigates the early dynamics of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

The discussion reportedly spanned critical topics, including Iran’s nuclear program, its support for anti-Israel groups in the Middle East, and the potential for improved U.S.-Iran relations. While no agreements or significant breakthroughs were achieved, the meeting underscores a strategic pivot by Iran as it braces for Trump’s foreign policy agenda.

Behind Closed Doors

The U.S. official, speaking anonymously, revealed that Iran sought the meeting with Musk, who was recently tapped to advise Trump on federal government restructuring. The meeting was not held at the Iranian mission to the United Nations, and both the Trump transition team and Iran’s U.N. mission declined to provide public comments on the discussions.

The New York Times first reported the meeting, which coincides with Trump assembling a cabinet expected to take a hard line on Tehran. Trump has named Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Rep. Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser. Both figures are staunch critics of Iran’s government and its regional policies.

Tensions at a Boiling Point

The outreach comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration exited the 2015 nuclear deal, reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran, and ordered the 2020 assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani—actions that defined years of escalating animosity.

Recent reports of Iranian-backed plots targeting Trump and other U.S. officials have further strained relations. Earlier this month, the Justice Department charged an individual in a murder-for-hire scheme linked to Iran aimed at assassinating Trump. Iran has denied involvement, with its foreign ministry dismissing the allegations as baseless.

Despite these provocations, Tehran reportedly assured the Biden administration in October that it would not attempt to kill Trump. The Wall Street Journal cited U.S. officials who described the message as a response to warnings that any such attack would be treated as an act of war.

A Delicate Balancing Act

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has remained vocally opposed to Trump, repeatedly condemning his policies and actions. However, Iran’s reformist president has signaled a willingness to re-engage diplomatically, hinting at potential openings for dialogue if sanctions relief can be secured.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has long declared its commitment to pursuing Martyr Soleimani’s assassination through legal and judicial avenues,” Iran’s U.N. mission said in a statement, reaffirming its stance on international law.

The Trump transition team has so far remained silent on the meeting with Musk, leaving questions about the potential implications of this unprecedented dialogue unanswered. As Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, the stakes for U.S.-Iran relations remain as high as ever.