Their belligerence suggests that these groups may be frustrated by the fact that they miscalculated the resistance against the nuclear deal inside the U.S. Congress. They had perhaps hoped that the majority Republican congress combined with pressure from Israel would have rejected the deal thus pitting the U.S. against global consensus regarding the nuclear issue. With the sanctions removed, their re-imposition doubtful, and the agreement undone, the Iranian opposition to the deal could have claimed victory and blamed the U.S. for its failure to ratify the agreement.
Yet, the agreement is becoming a reality and the Rouhani administration has gained credibility. In response, the Speaker of the Assembly of Experts harshly criticized the Rouhani administration three days ago. A commander within Sepah has also condemned Rouhani and has insulted the United States. Yesterday, basijis burned an American flag across from the former U.S. embassy building. Jalili, who was an opponent of Rouhani and the candidate supported by the Supreme leader in the previous presidential election, also stated yesterday that it was during his tenure as the Chief Negotiator that Iran transformed the challenges posed by the West into an opportunity and initiated diplomacy – another half-hearted attempt to take away credibility from the Rouhani administration’s successful diplomacy.
Considering these developments, it is likely that in the next few days, we will witness more confrontations – directly or indirectly - between the supporters and opponents of the nuclear deal inside Iran.