Iran struggled to respond to the assassination of a nuclear scientist 3
President Hassan Rouhani’s reformist camp wants Fakhrizadeh to be remembered as an advocate of engagement with the West.
However, that same day, a recording was released showing that the scientist was skeptical about negotiations with the US.
The outcome of the debates between the two camps could have profound implications for the Biden administration, which hopes to restart nuclear negotiations after four years of Trump’s `maximum pressure` campaign.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Armenia in October 2019.
Iran accused Israel of being behind the killing and said Israel was a `mercenary` for the US.
Meanwhile, Rouhani tried to calm the situation.
The killing increased pressure from conservatives on Rouhani, who represented an open faction about nuclear negotiation efforts with Western powers.
Some experts have expressed concern that Iran will retaliate with proxy militias in Iraq.
However, she said that Iran must consider when the US is about to have a new administration.
She said that Iran’s response in Iraq will likely `take a form similar to what we have seen before: rocket attacks on the Green Zone, Ain al-Asad air base or targeting
Meanwhile, Henry Rome, senior analyst at geopolitical risk firm Eurasia Group, said that Iran will first refrain from retaliation.
Experts say Tehran is likely to use Fakhrizadeh’s assassination as leverage to demand more concessions from the West.
There is a growing consensus among officials in the United States that issues beyond Iran’s nuclear program, such as ballistic missile development and support for regional proxies, may need to be included in any decision.
Geranmayeh said no major political faction in Iran opposes negotiations with the West, which could end US sanctions.
With Iran scheduled to hold presidential elections in the spring, some analysts predict hard-liners could prevail and consolidate their power, complicating hopes of reviving diplomacy with Tehran.
However, Eshraghi said that if the conservatives win, it will not necessarily put an end to diplomatic efforts.
