I would say that we agree:
Their extreme religious views may present an insurmountable hurdle
Sanctions present some motivation for change; Prez Trump's call to bring Europe, NATO, Russia and China into the fold could put considerable pressure on Iran if successful.
There is a report that when the Mullahs took control of Iran that they rejected an extreme cult called The Twelvers; I presume that they adhered to the Islamic myth that the Twelfth Imam could be called forth {from the bottom of a well} at the proper time to conquer Islam's enemies and take control of the world. It is said that Qassem Suleimani was a Twelver.
There is also a report that there was some issue about Iran responding aggressively to some challenge in the past; the Ayatollah had decided to stand down and Suleimani told him that he would exercise a coup if he did not act.
If these stories have any validity then perhaps it is possible that now Iran could take a more moderate view. It is worth keeping an eye on the situation.
Their extreme religious views may present an insurmountable hurdle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The majority of Iranians do not share the mullah’s jihad insanity and want freedom. So I have great hope.