We don't disagree. You are factually wrong. I'm not saying that it isn't an authoritarian state. It absolutely is.but the simple fact of the matter is that the Ayatollah isn't involved most decisions. His power mostly came into play with selecting who could run in their elections, which absolutely are real with the opposing sides running having significant political differences.

Did he get to set the goal posts for their parties? Yes, absolutely, and that isn't a full on true democracy. But the Iranian civilians have far far more say in their government than a civilian Russian, for example.

Moreover, you're debating all of this shit in ignorance to move the topic away from the fact the Iran didn't have nukes SOLELY because the leader was religiously opposed to them. The religious leader the US and Israeli's killed. While proving that they are unreliable negotiators.

The only rational view at this point for the average Iranian is to demand nukes.