OTOH, most 'independently working citizens', who have carried out terrorist attacks, have most if not all been from Arab countries & their citizens, including 9-11 attacks, as you also noted.
Moreover, did you know that even during the Shah's era, the US and Britain didn't want Iran to go nuclear? Now, back then the Shah's govt was not only an ally of the U.S. but also never supported any terrorism at all. Also, Arabs, Saudis in particular, have always been wary if not fearful of Iran. That rivalry (to put it mildly) has always existed, even during the Shah's era.
I like your post and would like to respond to it. I’m going out now and will come back later.
Thanks for the note of agreement regarding the Mullahs. It strikes me those who think we can get along with Iran, have to be those who didn’t live through the Carter years. If they had, they would know exactly why Iran is not our friend, and never will be.
Yes, I agree they have all been Arabs. That’s not to say that Iran wouldn’t help terrorist groups though. The leadership of Iran is incredible anti-US. It always has been. I can’t see Iran not wanting to help those who are against the US at some point. It’s the old death by proxy doctrine, now being practiced by lowly states like Iran, instead of Russia or China. Very dangerous IMO.
I did not know that, but I wouldn’t want the Shah to have it. He didn’t need it. Nobody else had them in the Middle-East. Pakistan may have been headed that way, and perhaps that’s why the Shah may have wanted them. I don’t honestly know.
I am not knowledgeable about Iran’s working relationship with other near-by nations during the Shah’s rule. My awareness of the Shah arose out of the Carter fiasco.
Thanks for the comments and information.