Elon Musk meets with Iran's UN representative, NYT reports

Elon Musk meets with Iran's UN representative, NYT reports

Elon Musk, the world's richest person and close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, met with Iran's ambassador to the United Nations on Monday. This was reported by the New York Times, citing two Iranian officials.

Secret meeting in New York

The meeting between Musk and Iranian envoy Amir Saeid Iravani took place at a secret location in New York and lasted more than an hour. According to New York Times reports, the discussion focused on ways to defuse tensions between the two countries.

Reactions and confirmations are missing

CNN has reached out to Musk and Trump's transition team for comment. The Iranian mission to the UN declined to comment. Biden administration officials at the UN were not informed of the meeting and have not yet received independent confirmation that it took place, a US official told CNN.

Future challenges for Iran

The reported meeting is seen as a significant test for Iran in the next four years, given experts' opinions. Under Trump's scrutiny there could be a return to “maximum pressure” campaign threats that he imposed during his last term in office, which could lead to further isolation of Iran and further damage to its economy.

Iran intensifies activities

Iran has been enriching uranium since Trump left office in 2020 reinforced, increased oil exports, expanded support for regional militant groups and united Israel through two direct attacks precedent created.

Musk and Trump: A look to the future

The reported conversation between the billionaire and the Iranian official raises questions about Musk's influence in the incoming administration, particularly as it relates to U.S. foreign policy.

Cooperation with Ukraine

Just last week, the day after the presidential election, Musk took part in a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump introduced the conversation on speakerphone, according to two sources, and Zelensky thanked Musk for his help in providing communications via Starlink amid the ongoing war with Russia.

New efficiency department

Trump announced Tuesday that Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" in his second term. Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has billions of dollars Federal contracts benefits, including NASA, the military and other US government agencies. The announcement immediately raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest.

Uncertainty about the new department

It's unclear how the department, which Trump describes as an "advice and support body from outside the government," will operate and whether a from Congress completely controlled by Republicans would even be willing to authorize such a massive restructuring of government finances and operations.

The situation is evolving and will be updated.

Reporting supported by CNN's Zachary Cohen, Mostafa Salem, Nadeen Ebrahim and Mick Krever.