It sounds like you are versed on this. The reason I responded as I did was because of the Iranians I went to prep school with in 1979. They were secular Muslims, basically non-practicing. Some were okay, most of the males did not do anything except smoke hashish. Those guys hated America. They REALLY hated black people, but that’s another story.
Anyway, a number of them made it clear that they were NOT Arabs, that they were persians. Skin tone was a bit different face shape was different. But I don’t know. From what you describe it reminds me of those Mexicans who insist they are 100% Spanish.
“From what you describe it reminds me of those Mexicans who insist they are 100% Spanish.”
Yep. And most Persians will say they are Persians. Some might say they have some Arab ancestors. This “I’m really an Arab” thing is taken to an extreme in Pakistan where the population has been taught that they are descendant from Arab Muslims and not ethically/racially the same as Indians (which is the actual truth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8Xqy_sHVWE