This is indeed the core of the problem. Like the Red Guard in China, the Revolutionary Guard in Iran has been richly rewarded. Materially, they control almost all manufacturing, energy delivery, and much of the transportation industry. Psychologically, they are free to rape, murder, kill and torture with impunity as they control the courts and the prisons. Thus Iran has descended into a Theocracy/Thugocracy. The Revolutionary Guard has no reason to want change.