As protests fuelled by economic crisis spread across Iran, social media platform X replaced the country’s official flag emoji with the historic Lion-and-Sun emblem.
As
protests driven by an economic crisis intensify across
Iran, social media platform X has replaced the country’s official flag emoji with the historic Lion-and-Sun emblem, a change users observed on Friday. The update comes amid widening unrest, internet restrictions, and growing
political tension inside the country.
The change removes the red emblem adopted after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and restores the Lion-and-Sun symbol that appeared on Iranian flags for centuries under the monarchy. The update applies across the platform, meaning even accounts linked to the Iranian state now display the pre-revolutionary symbol.
Accounts affected include those of Iranian officials and state-linked outlets such as Tasnim News. By Friday evening, the new emoji appeared to be live, including on Iran’s foreign ministry account.
X confirms work on the update
X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, had indicated on Thursday night that he was working on the update after a user requested the change. The revised emoji became visible across the platform by Friday.
The Lion-and-Sun emblem was officially used until the 1979 revolution. After the shah was overthrown, Iran’s new clerical leadership replaced it with the current Islamic Republic emblem and added kufic inscriptions of “Allahu Akbar” along the flag’s stripes.
Since then, the Lion-and-Sun has largely been embraced by monarchist groups and parts of Iran’s diaspora opposed to the current regime. During recent protests, the symbol has reappeared alongside chants calling for the return of the monarchy.
Timing draws attention amid internet curbs
The timing of the emoji change has drawn particular attention as Iranian authorities impose sweeping internet restrictions in several areas while protests spread nationwide. The digital shift comes as tensions inside Iran continue to escalate.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders on Friday as videos circulated showing protests across multiple cities. He said Washington was watching developments “very carefully.”
Iranian rights groups say at least 62 people have been killed in nearly two weeks of unrest. Iranian state media has shown clashes, fires, and damaged infrastructure, while the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that several police officers were killed overnight.
In a televised address, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said he would not back down and accused protesters of acting on behalf of foreign powers. State media has described demonstrators as “terrorists,” language critics say often precedes harsher crackdowns.
The
protests were initially triggered by economic distress, soaring inflation and a collapsing rial. They have increasingly taken on a political tone, with chants directly targeting Iran’s leadership.
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