Italy Secures Journalist’s Release from Iran as Elon Musk’s Role Sparks Dispute

Conflicting reports emerge over Musk’s involvement in a complex prisoner exchange between Italy and Iran.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was released from Iranian custody following a prisoner swap involving Iranian engineer Abedini Najafabadi, detained in Italy on a U.S. extradition request.
New York Times reported that Elon Musk facilitated Sala’s release by contacting Iran’s U.N. ambassador, a claim the Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed as 'media fantasy.'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the resolution as a result of 'complex diplomatic triangulation' involving Italy, Iran, and the U.S.
The Biden administration denied involvement in the negotiations and expressed disapproval of the deal, calling it a decision made solely by Italy.
Critics raised concerns over Musk’s alleged behind-the-scenes involvement, questioning whether it could violate the Logan Act, which restricts unauthorized negotiations with foreign governments.