Javier Gil Guerrero, a historian specializing in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and modern Iranian history, warns against oversimplifying Iran as a similar case to Venezuela. He explains that although the regime is authoritarian, it features a parliament and a president elected by the people, alongside various institutions like the Council of Guardians that create a system of checks and balances within the state. However, the elections are heavily controlled, with candidates filtered by the regime, preventing genuine opposition participation.

Guerrero notes that the core of Iran's political system is the Supreme Leader, a position held for life, which underscores the concentration of power in a single figure despite the presence of institutional frameworks. He argues that the Iranian regime is rational and recognizes its vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of international relations and its ongoing nuclear program. This complexity challenges the perception of Iran as merely a rogue state and suggests a need for nuanced diplomatic engagement.

Moreover, Guerrero calls for Western countries to approach Iran through multifaceted dialogue, focusing not only on its nuclear ambitions but also on broader issues including human rights and regional stability. He asserts that ignoring the regime's rational aspects may lead to misguided foreign policy decisions, reinforcing the importance of understanding the internal dynamics at play within Iran's governance.