I think you mistake much. Khamenei is no religious fanatic and no any theocracy is not composed of religious fanatics. Khamenei is another dictator enriching himself and his cohort just like Putin or Kim, etc. Like Trump, conflict is just a tool to energize their base to stay in power.

Did Trump just hand Khamenei a favor, yes, a mutual favor. They can now trade provocations and escalations that will shore up there political positions.