Iran Denies Reported Meeting Between Elon Musk and Tehran’s UN Envoy

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Saturday categorically denied a reported meeting between Tehran’s United Nations envoy and U.S. billionaire Elon Musk. Speaking to state TV, Araqchi labeled the report, initially published by The New York Times, as a “fabricated story by American media.”

Araqchi suggested the report was an attempt to test the waters regarding potential diplomatic interactions, noting, “There was no permission from the leadership for such a meeting.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority in Iran, reportedly had no involvement in or approval of the alleged interaction.

Relations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remain strained, with issues ranging from uranium traces at undeclared sites to access for IAEA inspectors. Araqchi emphasized that Iran is “prepared for confrontation or cooperation” regarding its nuclear program and hinted that the 2015 nuclear deal, abandoned by the U.S. in 2018, no longer holds the same value for Iran.

Looking ahead, Araqchi stated that any future negotiations must lead to a “feasible agreement” rather than revisiting the previous accord. The situation remains tense as Iran and the international community navigate a complex path forward.