Sadr refused to base himself in Pakistan or to attend Taliban meetings there, upsetting other members. He insisted on remaining in Afghanistan or Iran. Sadr used wealth from opium and marble smuggling to build his own support network within the Taliban, and he was also supported by Iran.[7] Unhappiness with his independence within the Taliban,[2] his dislike of Pakistan and his closeness to Iran led to him being replaced as the military chief by Mohammad Yaqoob in 2020, with Sadr becoming a deputy.[7]