News Brief
Trump’s ‘First Buddy’ Elon Musk Meets Iran’s UN Envoy In Bid To Ease Tensions: Report
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk. (HECTOR GUERRERO/AFP/Getty Images)
In a sign of his increasing influence in the new Trump administration, billionaire Elon Musk reportedly met privately with Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, in an effort to ease rising tensions between the United States and Iran, The New York Times reported, citing sources.
The newspaper reported that Iranian sources described the Monday meeting, held at a confidential location and lasting over an hour, as "positive".
An official from Iran’s Foreign Ministry told NYT that Iravani urged Musk to explore potential business opportunities in Iran and push for US sanctions exemptions.
Musk, now frequently seen beside President-elect Donald Trump and jokingly referred to himself as the ‘First Buddy’ on social media, has not commented on the meeting.
The Trump administration also refrained from confirming or denying the meeting.
"We do not comment on reports of private meetings that did or did not occur," Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, told NYT.
During his previous term, Trump exited the Iran nuclear agreement firmed up by former President Barack Obama, choosing instead to impose "maximum pressure" sanctions targeting Iran's oil exports.
Musk’s involvement as a mediator suggests Trump may be leaning towards diplomacy with Iran, a shift from the hardline stance favoured by hawkish Republicans.
Musk, the wealthiest man globally, has been playing an increasingly prominent role in Trump’s White House Team, participating in Cabinet interviews and discussions with global leaders.
He was reportedly on the call when Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following his electoral win.
As recognition for his substantial financial support to Trump’s campaign and vocal backing, Musk was appointed to lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency, alongside Indian-origin entrepreneur and former Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy.
However, Musk’s expanding influence and his frequent appearances at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s estate in Florida, are reportedly creating friction within Trump’s close circle.
"He’s behaving as if he’s a co-president and making sure everyone knows it," an insider was quoted as saying by NBC News.
Musk is "getting a little big for his britches", a source was quoted as saying by Politico.
