"Iran denies meeting between envoy and Elon Musk, calls it a fabricated story by American media"

 

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi vehemently denied reports of a meeting between Tehran's UN envoy and U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, calling it a "fabricated story" in an interview with state TV on Saturday.

Araqchi also emphasized that Iran is "prepared for confrontation or cooperation" in its ongoing dispute with the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, and Western countries regarding its nuclear program.

"This was a fabricated story by American media, and the motives behind this can also be speculated," Araqchi stated, reiterating a previous denial from Iran's Foreign Ministry.

The New York Times had reported on Thursday that Musk, an adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, had met with Iran's UN ambassador on Monday.

"In my view, the American media's fabrication about a meeting between Elon Musk and Iran’s representative seems to be a way of testing the waters to see if such a move is feasible," Araqchi said.

"We are still waiting for the new U.S. administration to clarify its policies, and based on that, we will adjust our own approach. At this moment, it is neither the right time nor appropriate for such meetings," he added.

Araqchi further emphasized, "There was no permission from the leadership for such a meeting," referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters.

Relations between Tehran and the IAEA have deteriorated due to several long-standing issues, including Iran's refusal to allow the agency's uranium-enrichment experts into the country and its failure to clarify traces of uranium found at undeclared sites.

Araqchi stated, "Our nuclear path in the coming year will be complex and sensitive, and we are ready for either confrontation or cooperation."

He also remarked that the 2015 nuclear deal, which former President Trump abandoned in 2018, no longer holds the same significance for Iran. 

"If negotiations begin, the nuclear deal could serve as a reference, but it no longer carries its former weight. We need to reach a practical and achievable agreement," Araqchi added.