If you break another countries laws you're liable to suffer THEIR consequences, even if the nature of the law breaking seems iffy by our standards. Its dumb to argue about what America would or wouldn't do if it happened along our borders. No shit it would be treated differently. We're talking about Iran here, they aren't exactly the poster child for fair treatment and morality...
Also, yeah that area is probably Amazing to go hiking in. Nobody is denying the appeal from a hikers point of view. But that doesn't change the fact that from a common sense point of view its pretty fucking dumb to push the envelope in that area, especially if you're American.