US-based X platform replaces Iran flag emoji with historic lion and sun symbol amid wave of protests

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

US social media company X updated the design of the Iran flag emoji shown on its web platform, replacing the emblem of the Islamic Republic with the older Lion and Sun symbol amid a continued wave of protests, users reported on Friday. The previous emoji reflected Iran’s official flag, featuring a red emblem introduced after the 1979 revolution. The version now shown instead displays the lion and sun motif, which was used on Iran’s national flag for centuries before being removed following the revolution and is commonly associated with the country’s pre-revolutionary era. After the update, the new emoji began appearing on the official X accounts of Iranian state institutions and officials, including accounts linked to state media such as Tasnim News. Under the update, all instances of the Iran flag emoji viewed on X through web browsers display the new design, regardless of when they were posted. The updated emoji is currently visible only to users accessing X via web browsers, while other platforms continue to show Iran’s official state flag using their native emoji designs. Separately, on Friday, US businessman Elon Musk – who also owns X – and his SpaceX company activated Starlink satellite internet in Iran amid a nationwide internet blackout, giving free access for an unspecified time. Iran has witnessed waves of protests since late December, largely due to a steep decline in the value of the Iranian rial and deteriorating economic conditions. The demonstrations started on Dec. 28 near Tehran's Grand Bazaar and later expanded to several cities. US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran is “in big trouble” as protests spread, saying the US is closely monitoring developments and warning authorities against using lethal force. Iran has accused the US and Israel of fomenting the unrest, with officials warning that security forces and the judiciary "will show no tolerance whatsoever toward saboteurs." Despite a falling out earlier this year, Musk is generally seen as an ally of Trump and the Republican Party.