One country (DPRK) does not make a rule. An besides, the DPRK and the Islamic Republic of Iran are very different regimes with very different citizenry. Iranians, by and large, do not believe in a death cult of personality surrounding their leaders, and can be much more critical of governmental choices.

Cuba? Burma? Syria?

Iraq, for that matter. They suffered under severe sanctions and a no-fly zone that left part of the country beyond the control of the state for over a decade and Saddam was nowhere near being overthrown until the US and allies actually invaded (again).

>Cuba

OK, maybe beginning to see a pattern

>Burma

I'm not an expert on Burma, but haven't they become a democracy again? I'd like to know what/any effect US sanctions had on this.

>Syria

I don't think this is a great example against isolation causing regime change

The North Korean government is being propped up by China. If China withdrew support their government would collapse.

Yeah, if only we could have ended apartheid that way!