Back in the 1970s, Iran Air was a top level airline with a safety record equal to QANTAS. They managed to keep going through over thirty years of sanctions.
With the business opportunities becoming available and the large Iranian diaspora the airlines future is very bright. Unfortunately I can't see them serving alcohol and women will need to cover up so they will have limited appeal like Saudi Arabian or Kuwait Airways. A stopover 72 hour visa on arrival similar to China would be a major boost as there are a few sights worth seeing.
I can see Iran Air being a good origin/destination airline and a cheap option for transit flights for adventurous and budget travellers.