i dont think thats really accurate. its theocratic and authoritarian, but its not a dictatorship and they have democratic elements

the candidates are approved by a religious board, but its got a full set of checks and balances and allows for liberalization. The reality is that given a panel of candidates Iranians have often voted for the conservative candidate

i get there is a large amount of liberally minded people in big cities that feel disenfranchised.. but i wouldnt be surprised if the government is still highly popular with the majority of people

Comparing it to North Korea or China is way to simplistic