It is culture. In most english native ares (this exclues India where english is a common second language) it is unheard of and people would rebel.
'True love' as in the movies only lasts a couple years. It is fun to be in but eventually you realize some truths about the other. From there is it can you live with it or not - which is why divorce is so high from those looking for it. True love as some couples who have been together for decads exists - but it is very different from the movies even if they sometimes seem to have a few features in common.
Arranged marriage and figure it out on your own exists in different parts. both are about equally successful for any long term definition of success. Shy people prefer arranged because they don't have to risk rejection. Others like freedom to decide.
meeting others happens as part of life. The only hard part is you think maybe this can be more and the other not only disagrees but also refuses to be a friend anymore. It can be really hard - but eventually it can happens (and may or may not last)
Iran has been funding war on Isreal for years. Sure isreal started the violence it Iran but Iran isn't innocent here.