Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, has firmly denied a New York Times report claiming that Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, met with Elon Musk.

Speaking to state news agency IRNA, Baghaei expressed surprise at the American media coverage of the alleged meeting and 'categorically' denied its occurrence.

The Times had reported that Musk, who is considered an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, met with Iravani in a positive encounter, citing anonymous Iranian sources.

However, Baghaei's statement contradicted the narrative presented by some Iranian newspapers, particularly those affiliated with the reformist party led by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Despite this media controversy, Iranian officials have recently indicated an openness to addressing issues with Western nations.

Iran and the United States severed official diplomatic relations following the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the US-supported shah, with communication since then being facilitated through the Swiss embassy in Tehran and the Sultanate of Oman.