Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi categorically denied reports of a meeting between Tehran’s UN envoy and U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, dismissing it as “fabricated” during an interview on state television.
“This alleged meeting is a manufactured story by American media, and the motives behind such claims can only be speculated,” Araqchi said, echoing an earlier denial issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
The New York Times reported on Thursday that Musk, who advises U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, met with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations on Monday.
“In my view, this fabrication about a meeting between Elon Musk and Iran’s representative is a way for the American media to test the waters and gauge reactions,” Araqchi stated. “We are awaiting clarity on the policies of the incoming U.S. administration. Until then, such meetings are neither appropriate nor timely.”
He further emphasized that no such interaction had been authorized by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over state matters. “There was no permission from the leadership for such a meeting,” Araqchi said.
‘Prepared for Confrontation or Cooperation’
Araqchi also addressed ongoing tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as Western nations, over Iran’s nuclear program. He warned that Tehran was ready for “either confrontation or cooperation.”
Relations with the IAEA have deteriorated over unresolved issues, including Iran’s barring of certain uranium enrichment experts and its failure to provide explanations for traces of uranium discovered at undeclared sites.
“Our nuclear trajectory in the coming year will be both sensitive and complex, and we are fully prepared for whatever path this dispute takes,” Araqchi said.
He added that the 2015 nuclear agreement, abandoned by Trump in 2018, no longer holds the same importance for Iran.
“If negotiations resume, the nuclear deal might serve as a reference point, but it no longer carries its original weight. We need to secure a practical and feasible agreement,” he concluded.
