That is unfortunate. I notice Iranians tend to idolize the Shah years as a natural reaction to the austerity of the mullahs, but it's a flawed, idealistic 'memory'. They have masked out the memory of the Shah's Savak thugs, which took state brutality to a whole new level and prompted the 1979 revolution. They also forget how the CIA muscled in the Shah in the first place to oust the democratically elected Mossadeq. The Shah was chosen precisely because he was a controllabe, useful idiot -- like Dubya in the US.
Anyways, this is for the Iranians to sort out. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
As for Pakistan, I happen to agree that Iran is Pakistan's single most important neighbor, and a worthy role model (for defence, not ideology or politics). Of course China is important, but they are in a different league altogether. China is absolutely critical for Pakistan's safety, but they are in the ranks of the major global powers. With Iran, Pakistan can have more of a relationship on an equal footing. Along with Turkey, the three countries have the potential to form a very strong power block.
As for the Arabs, as long as they remain on American life support, they will never be independent. Afterwards, yes.