The odd think about Iran is that the government is actually not as dumb as we thought. They do realize that if the people hate them enough, they will be overthrown... that is why they are slowly changing... and as they get old and the young rise up... change will move quicker.

The one problem we will see if the US doesn't start some form of relations with them is a civil conflict similar to the civil rights movement here in the US, where it's split between conservative, and more liberal muslems. That could cause some growing pains... but in the end, will turn out well. The important thing is that the US build some relations, so that we can ensure that a movement doesn't turn into a civil war. Part of what would determine that is how accepted they feel in the western world. Not to mention economic conditions in their country.

Keep the government stable, and in power through the change is key to stability in the middle east.