Iran is an enormous threat to all western democracies as well as to a number of mideastern countries. Its intent to establish a nuclear weapons arsenal which could be used against its neighbours is frightening. Ahmadinejad makes no bones about it; he has, on several occasions, threatened the very existence of the State of Israel. In addition, Iran backs several terrorist movements including Hezbollah and Hamas and perhaps even al-Queda. Syria provides Iran with a venue for arms transfers. There appears to be a growing relationship between Turkey, given Turkey's ever diminishing secular influence, and Iran. In the meanwhile, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia plus several of the Emirates are fearful of Iran's intentions and with good reason. These countries would likely back the USA in any incursion on Iran and would secretly back Israel were Israel to attack although they would publicly condemn Israel. With the addition of nuclear arms, all European countries could be hit by Iran.
I hardly have to detail the lack of civil rights in Iran. It is a country run by a combination of the Ayatollahs, the Republican Guard and the secular government of Ahmadinejad. Opposition to the ruling powers results in imprisonment and possible execution. Rulers of Iran have been brutal in their punishment of opposition figures. Women lack civil rights. Right now there are several women imprisoned for (allegedly) having affairs while married. The penalty is stoning to death where the woman is buried up to her waist in an open pit under the brutal sun and then being hit by large jagged stones thrown by the mob surrounding her. The international community is currently attempting to prevent such a public means of execution. So far, no definite response has been made on the part of the government of Iran.
Were the USA to strategically intervene, there would be many Iranians currently part of the opposition who would rise up to help overthrow the powerful Iranian establishment. Revolution in Iran has occurred before (Shah overthrown). Were O'Bama to attack Iran and remove from Iran its sinister nuclear capability threat, he would probably regain the confidence of many Americans who currently view him as an appeaser to the threat of Islamofascism. There are three nuclear outfitted American ships in the Gulf as well as one German and one Israeli ship so it is obvious that America is getting "attack ready". There is also rumour of an "understanding" between Israel and Saudi Arabia re crossover flights and a landing spot for Israeli aircraft. The USA already has a base in Saudi Arabia. I do not forsee the status quo lasting much longer.