HIGHDIPLOMATIC

Elon Musk joined private Trump-Modi Iran war call Tuesday — discussed Hormuz blockage — NYT

2026-03-24 · 00:00 UTC·Washington DC / New Delhi

Elon Musk joined a private phone call between President Trump and Indian PM Modi about the Iran war on Tuesday, the New York Times reported. Two US officials confirmed his presence. The leaders discussed Iran's Hormuz blockage. Why Musk was on the call is unclear — NYT notes Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are invested in Musk's companies and he seeks to grow business in India. The White House and Musk did not comment.

Elon Musk joined a private phone call between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning the Iran war on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, the New York Times reported on 27 March, citing two US officials. The reason for Musk's presence on the call between two major heads of state is unclear. The leaders reportedly discussed Iran's blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a key pathway for the global oil supply. The New York Times noted that Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are invested in Musk's companies, and he has sought to grow his business in India. The White House and Musk did not comment on his presence on the call. Musk had a senior role in the Trump administration in 2025 before a falling-out that has been 'somewhat patched up.' India is a major importer of Iranian oil and has been directly affected by Hormuz disruption — Modi's call with Trump likely addressed energy security and Indian national interests in a Hormuz resolution.

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Actor responses

United StatesNEUTRALDIPLOMATIC

NYT: Musk joined private Trump-Modi call on Iran war Tuesday. 'Why the world's richest man joined the call between two major heads of state is unclear.' Topics included Iran's Hormuz blockage. White House and Musk did not comment.

IranNEUTRALDIPLOMATIC

India is a major importer of Iranian oil and has been significantly affected by Hormuz disruption. Trump-Modi discussions on Hormuz, with Musk present, suggest US is engaging major oil importers on the economic consequences of the Hormuz closure.

NATONEUTRALDIPLOMATIC

Musk's presence on a Trump-Modi call about the Iran war is unprecedented. Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund investments in Musk's companies (SpaceX, xAI, Tesla) may create financial interests in a Hormuz resolution distinct from US government interests.

Sources

T1New York Times / 2 US officials / Times of Israel Liveblog8% reliability