Elon Musk in Trump–Modi Call on Iran Crisis?
News Desk
New York: The New York Times has reported that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk joined a recent call between US president Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the escalating Middle East crisis involving Iran.
The report described Musk’s alleged participation as “notable,” highlighting that it is highly unusual for a private citizen to be included in conversations between heads of state.
Citing two anonymous US officials, the newspaper said Musk’s presence suggests improved ties between him and Trump following a reported fallout last year after Musk’s departure from a government-linked role focused on reducing the federal workforce.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the report, stating that the March 24 conversation was strictly bilateral between Trump and Modi, calling claims of third-party involvement “inaccurate” and “not based on facts.”
According to the report, it remains unclear why Musk would have been included in the call or whether he actively participated.
The newspaper noted his growing business interests in the Middle East and India, including investments linked to regional sovereign wealth funds and ambitions to expand commercial operations. It also pointed out that his company, SpaceX, is considering a potential initial public offering later this year.
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The discussion between Trump and Modi reportedly focused on rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. Disruptions in maritime traffic through the strait have driven up energy prices worldwide and unsettled global markets.
In a social media post, Modi emphasized the importance of keeping the waterway open, stating that ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains “secure and accessible” is vital for global stability.
Neither Washington nor New Delhi mentioned Musk’s involvement in official statements. The White House declined to comment on the report, while press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the Trump-Modi conversation was “productive.”
The newspaper also noted that while inclusion of private individuals in such calls is rare due to national security sensitivities, Trump has previously relied on close associates without formal roles, including his son-in-law, for diplomatic engagements.
Separately, The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of extended ground operations in Iran. Citing unnamed US officials, the report said potential plans could involve limited, targeted missions by Special Operations forces and conventional troops rather than a full-scale invasion.
Officials warned that any such operations would expose US forces to threats including drones, missiles, ground fire and improvised explosive devices.
The report added that it remains uncertain whether Trump would authorize such action. While the administration has signaled openness to negotiations, it has also issued strong warnings to Tehran.
White House press secretary Leavitt said military planning is intended to provide the president with “maximum optionality,” stressing that no final decision has yet been made.
