New York, November 16 (IANS). Elon Musk has met Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations. This meeting between the two took place a day before the billionaire businessman was made the new joint head of Donald Trump’s cost cutting department.
The meeting, held at the residence of Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani in New York, was aimed at discussing ways to reduce tensions between the two countries, CBS News reported, citing unnamed sources.
It was not clear from the report whether Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz, who are staunch opponents of Iran, were aware of the meeting.
The New York Times reported that the meeting was ‘positive’ according to two Iranian officials. Musk has emerged as a potential behind-the-scenes negotiator for Trump, who has promised to end the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts.
The world’s richest man appears to have a more important responsibility in the corridors of power than the task of reducing federal spending.
Musk has emerged as a potential negotiator for Trump, who has promised to end the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts.
During a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Trump included Musk in the conversation, who is also in touch with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The US does not have diplomatic relations with Tehran, but a private meeting with Musk led to a negotiated settlement that allowed Iran to avoid meeting with a US official.
Trump’s previous tenure is known for strict measures against Iran.
The assassination of Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leader Qasim Sulemani was ordered by Trump.
Trump canceled the nuclear deal struck with Iran by the US and other permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany and the European Union. He reimposed harsh economic sanctions, which largely prevent American companies from doing business in Iran.
However, it is difficult to say what kind of relations there will be between the two countries in the future. This meeting between Musk and the Iranian envoy can prove to be an important milestone in relations.
Meanwhile, NBC reported that Iran has assured that it will not try to assassinate Trump. According to the report, this assurance came in a written message, which is a response to America’s warning that attacking Trump would be an ‘act of war’.
–IANS
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