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X swaps Iran flag emoji amid national unrest
Social media platform X has replaced Iran'sOfficial flag emoji with the historic Lion-and-Sun emblem, a change users noticed on Friday as nationwide protests and internet restrictions intensified. The update substitutes the red emblem introduced after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution with the Lion-and-Sun motif that appeared on Iranian flags for centuries under the monarchy.
Scope and affected accounts
The emoji change applies across the platform, meaning even accounts linked to Iranian officials and state-affiliated outlets now display the pre-revolutionary symbol. Observers reported that outlets such as Tasnim News and Iran's foreign ministry account showed the Lion-and-Sun in place of the official flag emoji.
Platform response and timeline
X's head of product, Nikita Bier, indicated on Thursday night that he was working on the update after a user requested the change. By Friday evening the new emoji appeared to be live for many users, drawing attention for its historical and political resonance.
Context and implications
- The Lion-and-Sun is a pre-1979 emblem historically associated with the Iranian monarchy and national heritage.
- The swap comes amid widespread protests, online censorship, and heightened sensitivity to symbolic imagery in Iran.
- While technically a design update, the replacement carries political and cultural significance in social media discourse.
Analysts say the change highlights how social platforms, emoji design, and national symbols can influence public perception during periods of civil unrest. Monitoring continues as users and authorities respond to the modification.
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