Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised "rumours" of a meeting between Iran's UN representative and American billionaire, Elon Musk, blaming it on "cognitive bias."

Iran's UN Ambassador Saeid Iravani reportedly met Musk on November 14, with images of Musk walking back to his car following the meeting. The original New York Times report indicated that the meeting, allegedly in New York at Iran's request, aimed to discuss ways to defuse tensions between Iran and the United States in light of Donald Trump's re-election.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has now categorically denied these claims, calling the story a fabrication, despite being previously quoted as saying it was "positive" and "encouraging".

Musk may have also been accused of breaking a little-known law called the Logan Act in the US, which prevents non-government officials from negotiating with foreign states, US media previously reported.

Araghchi said the rumour showed how cognitive biases can skew judgments.

He criticised how some accepted the report without evidence and even confirmed and analysed it "because they preferred this meeting had taken place."

Some hurriedly called it a mistake by the Iranian government and made accusations, while others are still sceptical after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denial, he lamented.

"Foreign policy is not a place for prejudgment. Realism means judging based on evidence."

He also defended the ministry's strong denial of the report, stressing that an event that has not occurred must be denied, "whether it is of interest to us or not, whether it is right or wrong."

"The policy of silence and ambiguity on an issue initiated by the other side is a beginner's mistake and plays into their hands."

Earlier on November 13, Araghchi signalled openness to dialogue, writing on X: "Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to move forward with courage and goodwill. Iran has never left the negotiation table regarding its peaceful nuclear programme."