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Two main groups oppose any de-escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States, but the severe economic impact of sanctions will ultimately push Tehran towards a deal, according to Iranian analyst Sadegh Zibakalam.
Speaking to Rouydad 24 news website, Zibakalam identified the two opposing factions as those with deeply held anti-American and anti-Israel ideological beliefs, and those he termed sanctions profiteers who benefit from the continuation of the current strained relations.
"Basically, I think that in Iran, there are generally two groups or two currents present who are wholeheartedly opposed to any de-escalation with the United States and are not willing to accept ending anti-US slogans and exporting the revolution at all," Zibakalam said.
On the motivations of the sanctions profiteers, he said, "This group does not want Iran to move towards de-escalation and a kind of understanding and agreement with America so that sanctions are lifted; because a part of circumventing the sanctions is the responsibility of these individuals and this specific group, and since they do not want to give up these huge economic benefits, they will do anything to prevent Iran and America from reaching an agreement."
Armed assailants stormed an auto repair shop in Mehrestan County in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province on Friday and killed the workers at close range.
"Pakistan strongly condemned the inhumane and cowardly killing of its nationals in Iran," Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement on Monday.
"The leadership and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened and disturbed by this tragic incident. The Prime Minister has expressed heartfelt condolences for the bereaved families."
"We hope for Iranian side's full cooperation in investigating the matter and in timely repatriation of victims' remains," the statement added.
According to Halvash, an advocacy group for the Baluch people, the incident took place early Friday in the village of Hizabad-e Paein.
The victims—car mechanics and bodywork specialists from Pakistan’s Punjab province—were living and working at the repair shop when gunmen entered the premises, tied their hands and feet, and shot them.
Iranian security forces were deployed to the site following the killings, and the area was placed under heightened surveillance, according to Halvash.
Iran has officially denounced the killings as an "act of terrorism." In a statement on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said that the country’s security and judicial authorities are determined to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Asr-e Iran website reported that a group calling itself the Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack.
The armed group operates on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border and has been involved in previous attacks on state and civilian targets.
The Iranian embassy in Islamabad also issued a statement condemning the act as “inhumane and cowardly.”
In January 2024, Iran and Pakistan exchanged rare cross-border strikes targeting militant groups. Iran launched missiles at what it said were Jaish al-Adl positions inside Pakistan, prompting a retaliatory Pakistani strike on Baloch separatist camps in Iranian territory.
Jaish al-Adl is an armed opposition groups to the Islamic republic.
The strikes marked the most serious escalation in years along the shared frontier.
The Italian government has confirmed that Rome will be the venue for the next round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled for Saturday.
A source within the Italian government, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, verified that the meeting would take place in the Italian capital.
Separately, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told journalists in Osaka, Japan, that the Italian government had given its approval to host the discussions, according to a report by Italian state broadcaster Rai.
"We received a request from the interested parties and from Oman, which is playing the role of mediator, and we have given a positive response," Tajani said.
Rome has often hosted these type of talks, Tajani said, and is "prepared to do everything it takes to support all negotiations that can lead to a resolution of the nuclear issue, and to building peace".
