It is not reflex but political advantage that causes the mullahs to blame the US for meddling. They need to create an external enemy to unite the people and defuse the uprising. If most Iranians perceive the opposition to be tools of the West, than support will wane. At least that’s the theory.
You are correct. I didn't express myself well. The insular Iranian Mullahs will always blame the Great Satan whenever they are threatened - because it unifies their populace, because it hearkens back to the glory days of the Great Revolution against the Evil Shah AND because blaming America makes confused Democrats eager to help them.