Hezb-e Walayat-e Islami (Party of Islamic Guardianship):

Mullah Yaqoob’s predecessor, Ibrahim Sadr, a powerful field commander, opposed peace efforts. Sadr, who has close links to neighboring Iran, was among eight Taliban members designated as global terrorists by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2018. Mullah Yaqoob had the strong backing of Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally and Iran’s regional archrival. Riyadh was providing him with tactful support.
 

Sadr is said to be among a number of commanders and factions that support continued fighting against Afghan and foreign troops.

A new breakaway Taliban faction that has close links to Iran and opposes peace has emerged in recent months. The Hezb-e Walayat-e Islami (Party of Islamic Guardianship) is believed to have split from the mainstream Taliban soon after the deal was reached with the United States. The faction is believed to include supporters of Sadr.
 

Other Iran-linked Taliban leaders who oppose peace efforts include Mullah Qayum Zakir, a powerful battlefield commander and the former military chief of the Taliban until 2014. A former inmate in the infamous U.S. prison at Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay, Mullah Zakir has the backing of some hard-line field commanders.(20200828)