Iran produced 1.2 million cars last year... and exported to several countries. African countries and Venezuela is their target.
Iran was outperforming Pakistan even while under sanctions. They are the most industrious and scientific people in the region, historically. Just sanctions held them back.
Iran still has access to all of the developing world, which is where they're selling for example their cars. And they also have free access to the largest economy in the world, which in turn can also act as a middleman to sell Iranian produce on towards the west, which is the only market Iranians can't go into. Also of course access to any manner of technological transfer as long as they can pay for it.
Iran have a great people, but non-existent sanctions that at most have reach for what, 20% of the global economy(?) (which they can still middleman into) is not an excuse that they were held back by this. They're already one of the best performing Islamic country economies.
Like you've said yourself, there's a ripe market for them in some sectors.
This isn't an economy that urgently needs Chinese grants.
I think the new president for Iran might be great. He will maybe work to reinterprete some of the more draconian theological laws in the country, and at the same time he intends to (aggressively) take advantage of China's signed agreements. For all China is concerned, that's great. Exploit the investment from China to develop Iran, a better Iran, happier Iranian people, and a stronger bulwark against US threat is much better than Chinese treasures sitting around unused.
