A revolution in Iran toppled the Shah in the 1979. The type of society set it after was contested. Throughout the process of the revolution, workers had set up Shoras, which extended workers' power from strike committees and threatened the power of the capitalist class. At the same time, reactionary elements were organising through the clergy under Khomeini. These forces set up new repressive bodies, violently repressed the women’s movement and purged the Shoras.

While the revolution was stifled and ended in counter-revolution under Khomeini, another outcome was possible.