The story: Contract workers at petrochemical plants in the southern Iranian city of Asaluyeh have reportedly gone on strike in solidarity with anti-establishment protesters that have taken to the streets in past weeks. Meanwhile, Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei has called for dialogue—sparking both ridicule and speculations of a coming major crackdown.

The coverage: Protests that broke out following the Sept. 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in Tehran have entered their fourth week. Reports on social media suggested on Oct. 10 that the demonstrations have spread to the oil and petrochemical sectors.

• One video showed contract workers at the petrochemical complex in Asaluyeh in Bushehr Province going on strike. The man recording the video said the decision was made “in support of our compatriots.”
  
  
• Other reports claimed that workers at Kangan and...