US President-elect Donald Trump is considering a potential deal with Iran, following a secret meeting between billionaire Elon Musk and the country’s ambassador to the United Nations. The Iranians described the session as “positive” and “good news”, suggesting that there may be an opportunity for renewed diplomacy.
Musk met with Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani in New York last week, sparking speculation about a possible change in tone between Washington and Tehran. The meeting raised hopes that Mr. Trump could help restore peace in the region, despite a history of tensions between the two countries.
During his first term, President Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran and imposed economic sanctions on Iranian oil revenues. However, following his re-election, Iran has begun to debate whether it can now reach a new deal with the US. Some officials favor negotiating, while others oppose engagement with Mr. Trump.
Despite these differences, analysts say that both parties appear interested in resolving tensions through diplomacy. “Everything is possible with Trump,” said Ali Vaez, the Iran director for the International Crisis Group. The US and Iran are set to engage in talks over sanctions exemptions from the Treasury Department.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/world/middleeast/elon-musk-iran-trump.html