Preface: Throw out any pre-conceived notion of Iran you might have. The way the media across the western world has painted the picture of Iran is not the real Iran. Iran is a magnificent, mysterious country with a rich history and culture. Go to Iran with an open mind and heart. Iran is one of the safest countries in the world where major crime or terrorism is concerned.
People: One of the best things about Iran is its proud people. Depending on where you travel, there will be more or less educated people and more or less city folks which changes their understanding, beliefs, and behavior as in any part of the world. Iranians of all parts are kind, warm, friendly, helpful, proud, generous, and close. There is one thing that ties them all together and that's Iran. Although they have not had a great many tourists in most parts of Iran since 1979, they remain respectful and curious towards tourists. They will welcome you, thank you for visiting and ask you questions.
Pride: Iran has many different cultural groups such as Azeri, Kurdish, Persian, etc, each proud of their own culture and of being Iranian. Due in major part to the long history of Iran and its invasion by other countries over centuries, Iranians are very sensitive about certain things. Do not call Iranians "Arabs" or "Muslims". They are not Arab and they are mostly Shia Muslims. Do not use the expressions "the Gulf" and "the Arabian Gulf". It is the Persian Gulf.
Sights: Iran has destinations to offer any type of interest. From mountains for skiing and hiking to beaches for swimming, to cities for sight seeing, to history for uncovering.