EDIT (2026.02.24): Unfortunately it turns out that the creation of a Workers Council in Arak was fabricated by some local anti-capitalist groups in Iran. However, regardless of the validity of dual power institutions in Iran, there is still incredible revolutionary potential in the state right now as the people continue to fight for liberty and emancipation from the brutal military-police oppression of the Islamic Republic.
As the people of Iran continue their fight against the oppressors of the Ayatollah's dictatorship, it is important that socialists and other allies of Iranians support their own self-determination rather than the monarchist faction of Pahlavi which seeks to continue oppressive rule and allow US Imperialism to steamroll the working class. Our allies are not those who seek to replace oppression and exploitation with a synonym, but are Iranians themselves who are the only actors that can bring about an end to their exploitation. Therefore, the news of the formation of workers councils in the industrial hub of Arak is incredible news for the future of these protests as their appearance is a clear sign that Iranians do not want the same system to continue under new management, but seek revolutionary alternatives. As Iranians continue to organize in such ways that unify the working class against US Imperialism and domestic authoritarianism, the possibility of a revolutionary spark becomes exponential. ALL POWER TO THE COUNCILS!
Manifesto:
“To the workers of Markazi Province, to our comrades in Khuzestan, and to all the people of Iran.” For decades, our demands for bread have been answered with bullets, and our demands for dignity with prison. But today, the silence has come to an end. We, the workers of Arak’s factories, declare the following: Workplace control: From now on, the management of the Machine Manufacturing Company, AzarAb, and Wagon Pars factories will be in the hands of workers’ councils elected by the workers themselves. We no longer recognize managers appointed by the state or the regime’s puppet unions. Connection with the community: Our strike is no longer about wages. We call on the citizens of Arak to form neighborhood councils to manage security and logistics. Our factories are your protection. Defense of soldiers: We call on our brothers in the army: do not become the killers of your own fathers. If you stand with us, our councils will guarantee the safety of you and your families. Ultimatum to the regime: Any attempt to forcibly enter the industrial complexes or to arrest our representatives will be considered a declaration of war against the entire city. If a single drop of workers’ blood is spilled, the flames of uprising will leave no trace of power behind. We are not here only because of unpaid wages. We are here to decide how this factory and this country must be run. The era of employers and clerics has come to an end. All power to the councils! 11 January 2026