Musk denies direct role with Iran in Italian journalist’s release

Elon Musk says he had no direct involvement with Tehran in the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from Iran but supported efforts through the US side.

Writing on X, Musk said Thursday, "I haven’t had any interaction with Iran. Just recommended support from the US side."

His statement follows comments from Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who labeled reports of Musk’s involvement as "media storytelling and pure fabrication."

On Wednesday, The New York Times reported that Elon Musk helped secure the release of Ms. Sala by reaching out to Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, citing two Iranian officials. In November, the same publication wrote that Musk had a secret meeting with Iravani, which Iranian officials denied.

Also, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday that Musk played no role in negotiations between Italy and Iran for the release of Sala.

"Musk ... has nothing to do with Cecilia Sala's case. He played no role. The case was settled by the Italian government," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told broadcaster SkyTG24.

Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old journalist and podcaster, was arrested in Iran last month on unspecified charges despite holding a valid press pass. Her solitary confinement raised international concerns about her safety and well-being.

A source familiar with discussions between Sala's family and the Italian government told Iran International that Tehran tied her release to Italy’s handling of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, an Iranian detained in Italy at the request of the United States. Iran, however, denies any connection between the two cases.

Sala was freed last week, and shortly afterward, Najafabadi was also released by Italian authorities, as confirmed by Iran's Judiciary.