There was a time when some complained that our diplomatic corps was overrun by Arabists. That is, westerners who were "into" the Arab culture, perhaps language, etc.
Based on a limited number of data points, three of which I'll identify, I start to wonder if our government hasn't been infiltrated by "Persianists," if that is in fact a word. People who really like and identify with the culture and people of Iran.
Three examples, all present in the Obama administration, are Presidential Advisor Valerie Jarrett, who grew up in Iran, SecState John Kerry, whose daughter married an Iranian-American, and as recently reported, FBI Counterespionage Chief Peter Strzok who likewise spent some formative years in Iran and, it is said, speaks Persian.
Presuming those three are the visible part of a Persian-flavored "iceberg," there are likely quite a few more. It goes a long way toward explaining why the Obama administration was trying to help Iran become the Middle East hegemon, in spite of their "Death to America" chants which I personally find off-putting.
