exactly. they are in power because they have the power and they exercise it. if you are a protestor and your face gets on the news or tv, or you are seen to be a leader? well you will just end up in jail (not a nice place in iran) or just dissapear.
So how does Kennedy (aka Chappaquiddick Fats) stay in power?
The only way to get rid of Iranian Mullahs is to press them on their poor human rights record.
Nuclear talks will lead us to no where.
Mullahs would love wasting our time on Nuke talks.