Well, this is curious...
Not so curious, really. Iran is a seething cauldron, not necessarily pro-Western, but certainly anti-Islamic Republic of Iran theocracy.
There is not, and likely shall never be, any degree of “democracy” in any Islamic state. Islam by nature is an almost hereditary hierarchy, and those in position of authority depart only feet first or dead. This is an attempt to make as many dead of the positions of power as possible. Sharia law dictates that the hierarchy is an absolute, but does not specify who shall be in power. That all relates to whoever can muscle their way in. Strong and ruthless application of authority is how even the least semblance of order is maintained.
Islam was and is the National Socialist doctrines applied with the additional authority of being backed up by a deity with bloodthirsty directives. Economically, Islam is just a primitive form of socialism, with the favored ones in a position to use the capital generated for their personal benefit.
Not a merit-based society, by any means. Unless “merit” means acquisition of enough clout to mount a palace revolution.
“Well, this is curious...”
Not really. Muslims kill more Muslims than anyone.
crazy days ......