Standing in front of a fleet of gleaming mini-buses, with the snow-capped Pamir mountains in the background, Mr Zanjani talks about the recent chain of events that have catapulted him into the headlines both at home in Iran and abroad.

BBC: Iranian tycoon claims EU sanctions are unfair

However, while Mr Di Paola said "there was always an opportunity for further talks", he stressed that the action on Wednesday was the "first wave" and more mini-stoppages could follow.

BBC: Councils hit by 'indefinite' strike