Iran's nuclear deal, reached last July with the United States, Great Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany may have been welcomed by many, including the Iranian electorate in serious need of an economic boost... but in Tehran, political spoils and anti-American feelings are still being fought!
Behind the flagship nuclear deal between Iran and the other world powers, there was Iran's centrist president Hassan Rouhani who, last week, was jeered by conservatives as he entered the hall for a religious ceremony in the presence of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hardliners are using tactics to undermine Mr Rouhani ahead of two key polls in February 2016.
These hard-line protesters seem determined not to let Mr Rouhani's achievement with the nuclear agreement be translated into victories in domestic politics.
Anti-Americanism remains one of the main pillars of the Islamic Republic's ideology. For hundreds of Iranians there is no new beginning, no new relationship with Washington, no easing of tensions between the two countries. Last week, thousands of protesters gathered in Tehran with placards, flags and banners to mark the anniversary of the siege of the US Embassy more than three decades ago! Chants of 'death to hypocrites' were heard across the square, referring to Mr Rouhani's achievement in brokering a deal with the other world powers...
This tense power struggle is widely expected to continue at least until 26th February of next year when Iranians go to the polls to elect members of parliament and, more crucially, the Assembly of Experts, which can choose the next Supreme Leader.
Mr Rouhani needs to win the parliamentary poll to strengthen his power base ahead of presidential elections in 2017. But in view of the serious threats made by the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards who recently declared that his forces are determined to prevent the danger of the so-called 'US infiltration' after the nuclear deal was signed, will Mr Rouhani succeed?
Jos Edmond Zarb
Birkirkara