S1/E31: Iran Meets Elon

Iran's Gambit

The focus of today’s discussion is the November 14th meeting between Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani, and Mr. Elon Musk, the prominent entrepreneur and perceived confidant of President-elect Donald J. Trump.

According to the November 14th edition of the New York Times, the two gentlemen engaged in discussions lasting over an hour at an undisclosed location. Subsequent reporting by other outlets revealed that the meeting occurred at Ambassador Iravani’s official residence in New York City. An unnamed source cited by the New York Times claimed that during the meeting, Ambassador Iravani urged Mr. Musk to pursue sanctions exemptions from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and consider extending some of his business ventures to Tehran.

The meeting has predictably caused significant debate within Tehran, where perceptions of Iran’s vulnerability to Israeli military actions have heightened concerns. Mr. Musk, likely motivated by his own economic interests, is seen as offering Tehran an opportunity to circumvent the Israel lobby in Washington, potentially opening a new chapter in U.S.-Iran relations. However, more cautious observers anticipate a potential rift between Mr. Musk and President Trump in the longer term. Should such a schism arise, it could empower pro-Israel factions within the incoming Trump administration to dominate U.S. national security policy-making. To judge by the media coverage, the meeting has also its critics in Iran, most prominently Kayhan newspaper. But just as remarkably, the Revolutionary Guard appears more cautious and has been largely silent.