Iran protests: X replaces Iran’s current flag emoji with Lion and Sun symbol— what it means
X has changed the Iran flag emoji shown on its platform, replacing the Islamic Republic’s emblem with the older Lion and Sun symbol on the green, white and red tricolour.
The change followed a user request that was approved in Twemoji, the open-source emoji system used by X. Jeremy Bier, an engineer at the company, said Thursday the updated emoji would start appearing on the web version after Friday.
The Lion and Sun symbol was used on Iran’s flag for centuries before it was removed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since then, Iran’s official flag has carried a red emblem introduced by the Islamic Republic. On X, this newer design has now been replaced by the older one.
In recent years, the Lion and Sun has been used by some protesters and opposition supporters as a symbol of resistance to Iran’s current leadership.
The emoji update comes at a time when protests against the current regime are continuing across Iran. There have also been reports of widespread internet and communication disruptions.
Users on social media noticed the change on Friday. The updated flag is now visible even on official X accounts run by Iranian government officials and state-linked media.
The Lion and Sun symbol was used on Iran’s flag for centuries before it was removed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since then, Iran’s official flag has carried a red emblem introduced by the Islamic Republic. On X, this newer design has now been replaced by the older one.
The emoji update comes at a time when protests against the current regime are continuing across Iran. There have also been reports of widespread internet and communication disruptions.
Users on social media noticed the change on Friday. The updated flag is now visible even on official X accounts run by Iranian government officials and state-linked media.
.
Popular from World
- 'Going to do it the hard way': Trump vows action on Greenland; cites risk of Russia, China taking over
- 'You are not eligible for visa at this time': B1/B2 visas getting rejected in India, Redditor shares experience of Mumbai consulate
- Canada not allowing parent, grandparent immigration applications in 2026; super visa remains open
- 'Embarrassingly obvious': H-1B spouses sue US over ending automatic work permit extensions
- 'You're dealing with us': Trump says US to decide which oil firms will operate in Venezuela; meets company executives at White House
end of article
Trending Stories
- Corey Perry Placed On Non-Roster Status: Kings lose key forward amid playoff push; return date unknown
- 'Repeated pleas for order ignored': Calcutta HC adjourns ED raids hearing due to court chaos; judge walks out amid shouting match
- MLB trade rumors: Philadelphia Phillies could bag $6.7 million Minnesota Twins veteran catcher to replace JT Realmuto
- Gujarat horror: 13-year-old girl abducted, attacked with sickle on private parts; dies
- Vanessa Bryant shares a heartfelt thank you post after fans “braved the rain” for an emotional Mamba & Mambacita Forever book signing
- City shivers on coldest day of season so far; schools shut, trains delayed
- Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers injury report (January 9, 2026): Injured and questionable players, where to watch, team stats, and more
Featured in world
- Brendan Kane drops 5 real growth strategies for content creators at Dubai's 1 Billion Followers Summit
- Rising tensions in Iran: Kuwait urges its citizens to stay alert
- 'Lesbian partner, ICE Warrior': American media called out for vilifying Minneapolis mother Renee Nicole Good
- How to make video that achieves million views? UAE content creator Khalid Al Ameri answers at Dubai's 1 Billion Followers Summit
- Oman announces fireworks display in Muscat for Sultan Haitham’s accession anniversary
- UAE’s cloud seeding secret: How salt, AI, drones are used to make it rain in desert
Photostories
- 7 Toxic friendship: Red Flags teens often miss and how parent can guide without interfering
- Every successful person has these 6 habits...Do you?
- Names that tell a story: Baby names for your little sunshine
- 7 rare and unique plants to grow in your balcony garden
- Meet 5 remarkable animals that live and hunt without eyes
- 8 baby girl names inspired by the poets of India
- Birthday special: Hrithik Roshan’s social media moments with Saba Azad and family
- Birthday Special: Hrithik Roshan’s movies to watch on OTT
- Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From calling Dilip Joshi the ‘pillar of the show’ to reacting to Disha Vakani aka Dayaben’s return, Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid
- 7 moon-kissed baby names for your little princess
Videos
12:04 New Minneapolis Horror: ‘SLAPPED, THEN DRAGGED…’: Border Patrol’s Violent Crackdown On Anti-ICE Stir31:42 'You Are In BIG TROUBLE': Khamenei 'KIDNAP' After Maduro? Trump's ULTIMATUM To Iran | FULL PRESSER08:29 Trump 'FEARS' Putin & Xi; Announces Greenland Takeover 'Easy Or Hard Way' To Keep Russia, China Away12:53 Trump BLASTS Minnesota ICE Victim As 'Paid Agitator', 'CROOKED' Officials; Defends FBI | Watch07:23 ‘LEAVE KYIV NOW’: Putin’s ‘DEATH SENTENCE’ Prompts Urgent Order In Ukrainian Capital, Residents Flee10:36 FBI CONCEALS Minneapolis Shooting Proof? Attorney General Moriarty LAMBASTS Kash Patel14:43 ON CAM: Minneapolis Mayor STINGS JD Vance After Fatal ICE Shooting | ‘Shut Up & Stop Hiding…’07:47 'Loser': Insults Fly As Summer Lee, Comer Argue In US House Over Minnesota Fraud10:21 'FLYING WAR ROOM': Rare U.S. ‘DOOMSDAY PLANE’ Moves Amid Tensions With Iran, Russia | Watch
Up Next
Start a Conversation
Post comment