Not quite. Fundamentally, pre-revolutionary Iran had (and modern Iran still seems to have) the same pattern as other middle-eastern countries: a Westernized, li

Not quite. Fundamentally, pre-revolutionary Iran had (and modern Iran still seems to have) the same pattern as other middle-eastern countries: a Westernized, liberal-friendly urban middle-upper class, and a traditionalist, Islam-focused lower-class and rural population. And, as is also typical, the westernized component overestimated its own strength. Many of them actually supported the revolution, expecting that it would bring a democratic or perhaps socialist government (remember, socialism is also a Western ideology). Instead they got swept over by the Islamist faction, which had the support of the masses. This happens over and over in the Middle East. Syria is the most recent example. The urban middle class revolted against Assad hoping for democracy, but instead their war got completely taken over by the much more powerful islamists. Now they are between a rock and a hard place. If you have any middle eastern friends, they are probably quite modern, liberal and friendly to Western values. I know mine are. But there is a strong selection bias there. The real "common people" don't go to study in a European university.