Change applies to web version only, while mobile platforms continue to display Iran’s official state flag - Anadolu Ajansı

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign ministry account is reportedly among those affected, as the Shia-majority country’s old national flag from the era of monarchy has made a comeback to social medi

In a surprising digital shift amid growing unrest in Iran, social platform X (formerly Twitter) has replaced the Iranian flag emoji with the historic Lion & Sun symbol — a design tied to Iran’s pre-1979 era — sparking speculation online that this reflects waning support for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic.

X has replaced Iran's current flag emoji with the historical Lion and Sun symbol, a move approved via its open-source system. This change, now visible on X's web version, aligns with the symbol's use by opposition groups amid ongoing protests and communication disruptions in Iran.

X will replace Iran’s flag emoji with the pre-1979 lion-and-sun symbol, a politically charged move announced as internet restrictions persist in Iran.

Ynet reports that someone who criticized the Iranian regime on Saturday tweeted a request to change the flag to the head of X’s product department, Nikita Bier, who responded, “Give me a few hours.” Since then, X has replaced the flag emoji throughout the network, including on the account of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

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