Even so, it remains my contention that the Iranian government has a framework for its decisions.

When a government has a framework for its decisions, then the possibility is there to engage intellectually with that government. 

I'm not saying that the people in power in Iran don't like being powerful.  I think that most people who end up powerful are not there by accident. 

Do I think that the Iranian government's characterization of its population being in ardent support of its policies is false?  I sure do.