Putin made a deal with the Russian people: stay out of politics, and I’ll give you stability and some measure of freedom and prosperity. Xi offered the Chinese people the same deal, but with less freedom. The Iranian leadership, on the other hand, made no such bargain; as far as they’re concerned, they speak for God, and the will of the population is irrelevant.
All three autocracies are stumbling. Putin initiated a disastrous war and so broke his bargain; the Chinese people are out in the street complaining about covid policies; and opposition to the Iranian regime becomes more dangerous by the day. This is due to two things: autocrats–even the competent ones–are far from infallible, and usually double down when they should retreat to avoid looking weak; and the desire for at least some minimum level of individual freedom and prosperity is universal.
Take note, American admirers of autocracy.