Iran has threatened to target business interests linked to Elon Musk across the Middle East, including infrastructure associated with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, as military tensions with the United States escalated despite ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at ending the conflict.
The warning emerged as President Donald Trump signaled further military action against Tehran and claimed negotiations toward a potential agreement remain active behind the scenes. The latest developments highlight the increasingly complex dynamic between the two countries, which are simultaneously exchanging military strikes and pursuing diplomatic channels.
According to CNBC, Iranian state-affiliated outlet Fars reported that Tehran would target "all interests related to economic holdings managed by Elon Musk in West Asia." The report specifically referenced a Starlink ground station among potential targets. The statement was distributed through the outlet's Telegram channel as regional tensions continued to rise.
The threat came shortly after Trump suggested additional military operations could be forthcoming. In a Truth Social post, the president said the United States would be "taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets."
Washington has launched multiple rounds of strikes against Iranian targets in recent days. Iranian officials have responded with increasingly sharp rhetoric, accusing the United States of undermining efforts to reduce hostilities.
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the latest attacks on Thursday, describing them as a "flagrant violation" of international law that had "effectively rendered the April 8 ceasefire meaningless." The ministry further warned that the Trump administration would bear responsibility for the "extremely dangerous consequences" resulting from the operations.
The regional fallout has extended beyond military exchanges. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a newly established body overseeing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, announced that the critical shipping route would be "closed until further notice."
The closure raises fresh concerns for global energy markets and commercial shipping, given the strategic importance of the waterway. The announcement cited regional tensions and military developments as the reason for the decision.
Yet even as both sides traded threats and accusations, diplomatic discussions appear to be continuing. Reuters reported that Washington and Tehran have been exchanging messages regarding the possible release of frozen Iranian funds as part of a broader memorandum of understanding designed to halt the conflict.
Iranian sources told Reuters that negotiators have already reached a political understanding in principle, although disagreements remain over how the funds would be released from foreign financial institutions and what restrictions might accompany their transfer.
Trump also indicated that talks remain active. Speaking to Fox News, he criticized media coverage of the conflict while describing Iran as increasingly eager to negotiate.
"Behind the scenes I must tell you Iran can't believe the press they get," Trump said.
The president went on to describe conversations he claimed were taking place with Iranian officials. "They said, 'It's amazing how well we're doing in the papers. We're not doing so well--' They're negotiating with us to make a deal."
Trump also delivered a blunt assessment of Tehran's position following the latest military operations.
"They're dying to make a deal. They want to make a deal so badly. We dropped $250 million of bombs on them last night. They're really in submission. They just don't know it yet," he said.
