I remember 1979 very well and it is very sad that when the Shah left, he took so much wealth with him. I knew many very well educated and cultured friends in the 70s. They called themselves Persians at that time.
Personally, I have very little time for 'religion'. Anything that puts up barriers between man and his fellow man, or between man and the source of creation, is working against our recognition that we are all one.
I am not American, but I would encourage you to google 'Project for the New American Century'. You might begin to understand why so many in the West believe all of these wars have been fomented deliberately.
I am not suggesting that your home based political system is designed to ensure freedom and democracy. I am sure there are local people unhappy enough to take action against the system and I hope they do achieve what they want. I am simply saying that this was also true in Syria, but the original freedom fighters were infiltrated by Isis with the help of the CIA and collusion of many NATO countries who use mercenary forces.
The CIA have admitted their part along with UK in the Iranian coup of 53. Sadly we, the common people, (even in the West) have handed over our power to politicians who pretend to govern, when all the time they are controlled by secret cabals behind the scenes. These cabals serve their own interests and have no concern for ordinary people.
This is what I have come to learn over my lifetime.