The ancient Persians had some very positive attributes. I think Cyrus was the first ancient King to brag about how benevolent and just he was instead of how vicious a killer.
The Persians did fare poorly against the ancient Greeks in combat. On the other hand they defeated just about everyone else.
It is a shame what radical Islam has done to a once great people.
I have know a number of expatriate people FROM Iran, who preferred to be called “Persian”.
I liked and respected most of them.
They almost universally hold the current regime in Tehran in total contempt.
We need all the allies we can muster to combat the evil that threatens us now.