During the visit, for the very first time, the basijis who had gathered in front of the embassy were arrested, an unprecedented occurrence in the past thirty years since everyone knows that the basijis act on behalf of the Supreme Leader. It was these same individuals who only three years ago attacked the British embassy and ransacked and destroyed invaluable historical items without being arrested or punishment by Iranian authorities. I should note that at that time Khamenei did criticize them by stating that they had gone too far.
The reason Hammond’s visit is interesting is that it serves as an indication that the nuclear agreement is here to stay, which is a victory for Rouhani and shows a weakening of the hardliners’ position. This victory may also help Rouhani accomplish his campaign promises concerning internal matters. The hardliners will certainly be displeased by this development and it will be a challenge for the Supreme Leader to rein in the hardliners and Sepah, especially in an election year.
Khamenei is thus at a crossroads: he must either come to terms with the moderate administration’s expanding roles or he must push Rouhani aside, which may have unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences.