# Lion and Sun flag

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Historical and opposition flag of Iran

This article is about the historical and opposition flag of Iran. For the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the wider history of Iranian flags, see [Flag of Iran](/source/Flag_of_Iran). For the emblem itself, see [Lion and Sun](/source/Lion_and_Sun).

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Iran Lion and Sun flag[a] Use National flag Proportion 4:7[citation needed] Adopted 7 October 1907; 118 years ago (1907-10-07) Relinquished 1979 (de facto)[1] 29 July 1980 (de jure) Design A horizontal tricolour of green, white, and red with the golden Lion and Sun symbol centred on the white band.[b] Flag with darker colours; believed to be closer to the original flags used before 1979

The **Lion and Sun flag**[a] is a historic [Iranian](/source/Iran) [national](/source/National_flag) and opposition flag consisting of a green–white–red horizontal [tricolour](/source/Tricolour) charged with the [Lion and Sun](/source/Lion_and_Sun) emblem. It served as the [state flag](/source/State_flag) of Iran from 1907 until the [1979 Islamic Revolution](/source/1979_Islamic_Revolution), after which it was strictly banned.[2] Since then, the flag has had no official status but continues to be used as a historical and political symbol, particularly among [Iranians](/source/Iranians) and [opposition movements](/source/Iranian_opposition). [3][4]

## Flag description

### Lion and Sun emblem

The emblem consists of a male [lion](/source/Asiatic_lion) in front of a rising sun, coloured in gold and centred on the white band. Its appearance has varied over time: in some versions, the lion holds a [sword](/source/Shamshir), while in others it stands unarmed, with all four paws on the ground. The sun is nowadays depicted as a simple disc with rays, though earlier designs often included a face. Some versions include a [thin horizontal base](/source/Compartment_(heraldry)) beneath the lion. A [crown](/source/Pahlavi_Crown) was sometimes displayed above the emblem on the national flag, while the [war flag](/source/War_flag) and [naval ensign](/source/Naval_ensign) additionally featured a surrounding [wreath](/source/Wreath).[5]

Construction sheet for the modern design of the Lion and Sun flag

### Colour scheme

Green White Red Gold Pantone 7739 C White 485 C 1235 C Hex #319B42 #FFFFFF #DA291C #FFB81C RGB 49/155/66 255/255/255 218/41/28 255/184/28 CMYK 68/0/57/39 0/0/0/0 0/81/87/15 0/28/89/0

## History

Main articles: [Flag of Iran § Post-Constitutional Revolution](/source/Flag_of_Iran#Post-Constitutional_Revolution), and [Lion and Sun § History](/source/Lion_and_Sun#History)

### Pre-Islamic origins

[Achaemenid](/source/Achaemenid) seal depicting [Artaxerxes II](/source/Artaxerxes_II) together with [Anahita](/source/Anahita) in a Lion and Sun motif

The Lion and Sun is an emblem that is intrinsically Iranian and can be traced back thousands of years, even predating the [Achaemenid era](/source/Achaemenid_Empire).[6][7]

During the Achaemenid period, the Lion and Sun motif appeared in several forms.[7][8] One such example is a seal depicting [Artaxerxes II](/source/Artaxerxes_II) accompanied by [Anahita](/source/Anahita), with the latter riding a lion with a sun symbolising [Mithra](/source/Mithra) appearing behind her.[9]

### Safavid and Qajar era

The emblem continued to appear intermittently throughout the centuries until the emblem was adopted during the [Safavid era](/source/Safavid_Iran) to distinguish the country's national identity from neighbouring powers, such as the [Ottoman Empire](/source/Ottoman_Empire) with the [star and crescent](/source/Star_and_crescent).[10]

The Lion and Sun only became a national symbol during the [Qajar era](/source/Qajar_Iran). One of the first appearances of the lion holding a sword on a flag was during the [Russo-Persian War (1804–1813)](/source/Russo-Persian_War_(1804%E2%80%931813)); the sword was added at the recommendation of [Molla Ahmad Naraqi](/source/Molla_Ahmad_Naraqi).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The first instance of the emblem appearing on a tricolour flag is thought to be on an early green–white–red design with thin green and red stripes, designed by [Amir Kabir](/source/Amir_Kabir) and used from 1848 to 1852 during the reign of [Naser al-Din Shah Qajar](/source/Naser_al-Din_Shah_Qajar). The first equal-height stripe design is said to have appeared by the late 1880s. These accounts are poorly documented and may be entirely unfounded as they are far less certain than the flag officially adopted in 1907.[11]

### Late Qajar and Pahlavi era

Illustration of a historic meeting between [Mustafa Kemal Atatürk](/source/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk) and [Reza Shah](/source/Reza_Shah) in 1934, with the contemporary Iranian flag

Numerous Lion and Sun flags hoisted at [Pasargadae](/source/Pasargadae) during the [2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire](/source/2%2C500-year_celebration_of_the_Persian_Empire), 1971

The first official version of the Lion and Sun flag was adopted in the wake of the [Iranian Constitutional Revolution](/source/Persian_Constitutional_Revolution) of 1906[2] and codified in the [Supplementary Fundamental Laws](/source/Persian_Constitution_of_1906#The_supplementary_fundamental_laws_of_October_7,_1907) of 7 October 1907 as the state flag of the country. The new banner was described as a tricolour of "green, white, and red, with the emblem of the Lion and the Sun."[12] On 4 September 1910, a decree specified the exact details of the emblem, including the size and position of the lion, and the shape of its tail, sword, and sun.[13] During this period, the colours of the flag were very pale, with the red appearing closer to pink in practice.

Following [Reza Shah's coup d'état](/source/1921_Persian_coup_d'%C3%A9tat) and through the [Pahlavi era](/source/Pahlavi_Iran), the flag underwent several gradual changes. In 1933, the colours of the flag were darkened, and the sun was stripped of its facial features. In 1964, the flag's proportions were altered from 1:3 to 4:7.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] In 1972, the government introduced a new flag using a standardised design for the Lion and Sun emblem,[14][*[failed verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)*] though it is not clear if it replaced all pre-existing designs, as the style of the emblem continued to vary depending on the manufacturer.

### Post-Islamic revolution

Following the overthrow of the monarchy in 1979 at the onset of the [Islamic Revolution](/source/Iranian_Revolution), the [interim government](/source/Interim_Government_of_Iran_(1979)) began phasing out the Lion and Sun in favour of the plain tricolour.[1] However, after the [Islamic takeover](/source/History_of_the_Islamic_Republic_of_Iran#Suppression_of_opposition) in 1980, the new government outlawed the use of the old flag entirely, justifying the restrictions by claiming that the banner was a symbol of the "oppressive [Westernising](/source/Westernising) monarchy," despite the emblem's traditional [Shia](/source/Shia_Islam) usage.[15][16] In 1980, [Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini](/source/Ayatollah_Ruhollah_Khomeini) demanded the "ominous" Lion and Sun be removed from all government offices as an "artefact of the tyrannical regime".[17]

Recently, some Islamic Republic officials have changed course and attempted to claim the [Lion and Sun](/source/Lion_and_Sun) as a symbol of Islam in an effort to undermine the ongoing [2025–2026 Iranian protests](/source/2025%E2%80%932026_Iranian_protests).[18] Despite this, Iranians continue to use it as a symbol of opposition to the ruling government.[16]

	- Design evolution over time

		- Supposed tricolour designed by [Amir Kabir](/source/Amir_Kabir) between 1848 and 1852, modern reconstruction[11]

		- Supposed equal-stripe tricolour reported in 1886, modern reconstruction[11]

		- State flag of Persia (1907–1933), modern reconstruction[19]

		- State flag of Iran (1933–1964), modern reconstruction[20]

		- Historical version using the former standardised Lion and Sun emblem (1972–1980)[21]

		- Standardised modern version used from 2012 onwards

## Modern representations

Since its relinquishment, there has been no official government-issued standard defining the modern appearance of the Lion and Sun flag. As a result, modern reproductions of the banner vary in details, including colour shades, proportions, the presence or absence of the [crown](/source/Monarchism_in_Iran), and especially the rendering of the Lion and Sun emblem. In the absence of an official specification, a standardised modern design has come to serve as a *de facto* reference model.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*][c]

## Contemporary use

Historically, since the Islamic Revolution, the Lion and Sun flag has been associated with [monarchist movements](/source/Monarchism_in_Iran), while some republican and reformist groups preferred the plain tricolour. Over time, the Lion and Sun banner has been adopted more broadly as a symbol of Iranian national identity and opposition to the Islamic Republic rather than exclusively symbolising the pre-1979 monarchy.[4]

Public opinion data suggests the banner's growing recognition and popularity within the country. In a February 2022 survey conducted by *GAMAAN* in Iran, *prior to the outbreak* of the [Mahsa Amini protests](/source/Mahsa_Amini_protests), 46% of respondents chose the Lion and Sun flag as their preferred national flag, compared with 30% who chose the current official flag, and 19% who preferred the plain tricolour without symbols.[22]

### Use in protests

Protestor tears down the Islamic Republic flag at [its embassy in London](/source/Embassy_of_Iran%2C_London) and holds up the Lion and Sun flag, 10 January 2026

A massive Lion and Sun flag being raised in [Munich](/source/Munich) as part of the [Global day of action for the Iranian people](/source/2026_Iranian_diaspora_protests#Global_day_of_action), organised by [Reza Pahlavi](/source/Reza_Pahlavi) on 14 February 2026.

The flag is regularly seen at international rallies across [North America](/source/North_America) and [Europe](/source/Europe), where members of the Iranian diaspora wave it to show solidarity with protest movements in Iran.[23] It has been particularly prominent during demonstrations in major Western cities such as [London](/source/London), [Berlin](/source/Berlin),[24] [Paris](/source/Paris), [Munich](/source/Munich), [Toronto](/source/Toronto), and [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

#### 2025–2026 protests

Domestically, the Lion and Sun flag re-emerged during the [2025–2026 protests in Iran](/source/2025%E2%80%932026_Iranian_protests), with demonstrators publicly waving the flag[25][26] and, in some cases, tearing down and burning official Islamic Republic flags.[27]

In solidarity with the uprising in Iran, protesters tore down the Islamic flag at the [Islamic Republic's embassy in London](/source/Embassy_of_Iran%2C_London) and replaced it with the Lion and Sun flag.[28] On 14 February 2026, a massive 50-metre (160 ft) version of the flag was raised in [Munich](/source/Munich) during the ["Global Day of Action" diaspora protests](/source/2026_Iranian_diaspora_protests).[29] The Lion and Sun flag is used as a symbol of [secularism](/source/Secularism_in_Iran) and freedom, in defiance of theocratic rule.[30] On 19 May 2026, it was reported that [FIFA](/source/FIFA) would again [ban](/source/List_of_2026_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies#Protests_and_massacres_in_Iran) the Iranian Lion and Sun flag from [2026 FIFA World Cup](/source/2026_FIFA_World_Cup) stadiums, [similar to previous World Cups](/source/List_of_2022_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies#Iranian_protests).[31][32]

## Gallery

	- Flag in different aspect ratios

		- 3:5 ratio

		- 1:2 ratio

		- Square

		- Circle

		- Flag emoji

	- Alternate designs

		- Modern reconstruction using proportions seen in the [1973 Persian Empire celebration](/source/2%2C500-year_celebration_of_the_Persian_Empire)

		- Modern design with the full wreath and crown

		- Modern design with the crown and without the platform

		- Traditional digital design with the crowned wreath

		- Traditional digital design

		- Traditional variant of the Lion and Sun flag used prior to the revolution

		- Variant that has also been widely used in protests

		- Another variant used by numerous protesters; this design is the one used in the 50-metre Munich flag

	- Flag being waved in protests

		- Protest for the regularisation of [sans papiers](/source/Sans_papiers) immigrants in [Brussels](/source/Brussels) on 17 June 2007

		- [Green Movement](/source/Iranian_Green_Movement) solidarity protest in [Irvine, California](/source/Irvine%2C_California) on 21 June 2009

		- [Diaspora member](/source/Iranian_diaspora) holding a Lion and Sun flag [umbrella](/source/Umbrella) in [Amsterdam](/source/Amsterdam), 25 July 2009

		- "[Woman, Life, Freedom](/source/Woman%2C_Life%2C_Freedom_movement)" solidarity protest at the [Tiergarten](/source/Tiergarten_(park)) in [Berlin](/source/Berlin), 22 October 2022

		- Flag flown at a [Woman Life Freedom](/source/Woman%2C_Life%2C_Freedom_movement) solidarity protest in [Victoria, BC](/source/Victoria%2C_British_Columbia) on 19 November 2022

		- Various flags shown during a protest at [Trafalgar Square](/source/Trafalgar_Square), [London](/source/London) on 1 April 2023

		- Another flag-waving demonstration in [Berlin](/source/Berlin) on 11 September 2024

		- Solidarity rally against the Islamic regime in [Perth, Australia](/source/Perth%2C_Australia) on 10 January 2026

		- Rally held in [Lafayette Square](/source/Lafayette_Square%2C_Washington%2C_D.C.), [Washington, D.C.](/source/Washington%2C_D.C.) on 11 January 2026

		- Anti-Islamic Republic protest in [Gothenburg, Sweden](/source/Gothenburg), 17 January 2026

		- Solidarity rally against the Islamic regime in [San José](/source/San_Jose%2C_California), 17 January 2026

	- Flag being used by public figures/in public events

		- [Motorcade](/source/Motorcade) carrying [U.S. President](/source/President_of_the_United_States) [Richard Nixon](/source/Richard_Nixon) during his trip to [Tehran](/source/Tehran) on 30 May 1972, with large Iranian and [U.S. flags](/source/Flag_of_the_United_States) in the background

		- [Mohammad Reza Pahlavi](/source/Mohammad_Reza_Pahlavi) speaking with Iranian military officials, flag visible in background, 1972

		- [Khomeini](/source/Ruhollah_Khomeini) spokesperson [Sadegh Tabatabaei](/source/Sadeq_Tabatabaei) at a post-revolution press conference with the 1972 version of the flag behind him, March 1979

		- [Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi](/source/Reza_Pahlavi%2C_Crown_Prince_of_Iran) being sworn in with the flag behind him at the [Koubbeh Palace](/source/Koubbeh_Palace) in [Cairo](/source/Cairo), 31 October 1980

## See also

- [Flag of Iran](/source/Flag_of_Iran)

- [Lion and Sun](/source/Lion_and_Sun)

- [Lion and Sun Flag Anthem](/source/Lion_and_Sun_Flag_Anthem)

- [List of Iranian flags](/source/List_of_Iranian_flags)

- [Derafsh](/source/Derafsh)

- [Derafsh Shahdad](/source/Derafsh_Shahdad)

- [Derafsh Shahbaz](/source/Derafsh_Shahbaz)

- [Derafsh Kaviani](/source/Derafsh_Kaviani)

### Other opposition flags

- [White-red-white flag](/source/White-red-white_flag), former flag of Belarus and [Belarusian opposition](/source/Belarusian_opposition) symbol

- [White-blue-white flag](/source/White-blue-white_flag), Russian [anti-war](/source/Protests_against_the_Russo-Ukrainian_war_(2022%E2%80%93present)) and [opposition](/source/Opposition_to_Vladimir_Putin_in_Russia) symbol

- [Flag of South Vietnam](/source/Flag_of_South_Vietnam), often used by [Vietnamese diaspora](/source/Vietnamese_diaspora)

- [Flag of Venezuela pre-2006](/source/Flag_of_Venezuela#2006_changes), used by the [Venezuelan opposition](/source/Venezuelan_opposition) and [diaspora](/source/Venezuelan_diaspora)

- [Flag of the Second Spanish Republic](/source/Flag_of_the_Second_Spanish_Republic), former flag of Spain and [Spanish republican](/source/Republicanism_in_Spain) symbol

## Notes

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Farsi_flag_name_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Farsi_flag_name_1-1) [Persian](/source/Persian_language): پرچم شیر و خورشید, [romanised](/source/Romanization_of_Persian): *Parcham-e Shir o Khorshid*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** The above flag design was created in 2012, though it has become the most widely used variant of the flag to date. See [Modern representations](#Modern_representations) for context and [Gallery](#Gallery) for variants.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-gallery_24-0)** The standard modern design refers to the version displayed at the top of this page. For examples of variants, see the [Gallery](#Gallery) section.

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Crampton_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Crampton_2-1) Crampton, William G. (1989). [*The Complete Guide to Flags*](https://archive.org/details/completeguidetof0000cram) (1st ed.). New York City: Gallery Books. p. 76. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8317-1605-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8317-1605-3). Retrieved 3 March 2026 – via [Internet Archive](/source/Internet_Archive). With the flight of the Shah in 1979, the Lion and Sun were removed from the flags, and a year later the present design was adopted.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-britannica_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-britannica_4-1) Smith, Whitney. ["Flag of Iran"](https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Iran). *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250829041151/https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Iran) from the original on 29 August 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Why Are Iranian Protesters Using the Prerevolution Lion and Sun Flag? | Meaning, 2026 Protests, & History"](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Are-Iranian-Protesters-Using-the-Pre-revolution-Lion-and-Sun-Flag). *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)*. 12 January 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260123054655/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Are-Iranian-Protesters-Using-the-Pre-revolution-Lion-and-Sun-Flag) from the original on 23 January 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nationalgeographic_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nationalgeographic_6-1) McKeever, Amy (29 November 2022). ["Why Iran's flag is at the center of controversy at the World Cup"](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/iran-flag-symbolism-history-meaning-controversy). *[National Geographic](/source/National_Geographic)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250905140546/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/iran-flag-symbolism-history-meaning-controversy) from the original on 5 September 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Why Are Iranian Protesters Using the Prerevolution Lion and Sun Flag? | Meaning, 2026 Protests, & History"](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Are-Iranian-Protesters-Using-the-Pre-revolution-Lion-and-Sun-Flag). *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)*. 12 January 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260123054655/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Are-Iranian-Protesters-Using-the-Pre-revolution-Lion-and-Sun-Flag) from the original on 23 January 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["The Lion and Sun Motif of Iran: A brief Analysis"](https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/news/the-lion-and-sun-motif-of-iran-a-brief-analysis/). *Dr. Kaveh Farrokh*. 14 August 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260102095607/https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/news/the-lion-and-sun-motif-of-iran-a-brief-analysis/) from the original on 2 January 2026. Retrieved 11 February 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-achaemenid1_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-achaemenid1_9-1) ["The Lion and Sun"](https://ghorbany.com/inspiration/the-lion-and-sun). *Ghorbany*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250523092955/https://ghorbany.com/inspiration/the-lion-and-sun) from the original on 23 May 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2026. The oldest evidence for the simultaneous representation of the Lion and the Sun in Iran date to a cylinder of King Sausetar in 1450BC.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-achaemenid2_10-0)** ["The-Iranian-Lion-and-Sun-a-symbol-of-identity-and-eternity-FULL"](https://www.bmitpglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Iranian-Lion-and-Sun-a-symbol-of-identity-and-eternity-FULL.pdf) (PDF). *[The British Museum](/source/The_British_Museum)*. 3 September – 9 December 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260207075356/https://www.bmitpglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Iranian-Lion-and-Sun-a-symbol-of-identity-and-eternity-FULL.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 7 February 2026. Retrieved 16 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Farrokh, Kaveh. ["The Lion and Sun Motif of Iran: A Brief Analysis"](https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/news/the-lion-and-sun-motif-of-iran-a-brief-analysis/). *Dr. Kaveh Farrokh*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260301021142/https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/news/the-lion-and-sun-motif-of-iran-a-brief-analysis/) from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 16 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ottoman_12-0)** ["The Meaning Behind The Lion & Sun: A Symbol of Persian Legacy"](https://thelionandthesun.org/378/the-lion-sun-a-symbol-of-persian-legacy/). *The Lion and The Sun Podcast*. 1 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-iranpoliticsclub_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-iranpoliticsclub_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-iranpoliticsclub_13-2) Farrokh, Kaveh (13 July 2013). ["Lion & Sun Emblem of Iran, a Pictorial Historical Analysis – Part 3"](https://www.iranpoliticsclub.net/flags/lion-sun3/index.htm). *Iran Politics Club*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190810150015/https://www.iranpoliticsclub.net/flags/lion-sun3/index.htm) from the original on 10 August 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Browne, Edward G. (1910) [1907-10-07]. "4. The Supplementary Fundamental Laws of October 7, 1907". [*The Persian Revolution of 1905-1909/Appendix A: The Bases of the Persian Constitution*](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Persian_Revolution_of_1905-1909/Appendix_A#373). [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). p. 373 – via [Wikisource](/source/Wikisource). Art. 5. The official colours of the Persian flag are green, white and red, with the emblem of the Lion and the Sun.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-najmabadi_15-0)** Najmabadi, Afsaneh (2005). *Women with Mustaches and Men without Beards: Gender and Sexual Anxieties of Iranian Modernity*. [University of California Press](/source/University_of_California_Press). pp. 86–88. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-520-24262-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-520-24262-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Changing the royal birth certificate"](https://westwood.services/changing-the-royal-birth-certificate/?lang=en). *Westwood*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260124085407/https://westwood.services/%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%88%DB%8C%D8%B6-%D8%B4%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%DB%8C/) from the original on 24 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Babayan, Kathryn](/source/Kathryn_Babayan) (2002). [*Mystics, Monarchs, and Messiahs: Cultural Landscapes of Early Modern Iran*](https://books.google.com/books?id=WLoUePLTdfgC&q=lion+and+sun&pg=PA491). Harvard College. p. 491. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-932885-28-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-932885-28-4).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-2026-lion-and-sun-protests_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-2026-lion-and-sun-protests_18-1) Abedi, Hooman (13 January 2026). ["How a flag became a rejection of Iran's theocratic rule"](https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601134082). *[Iran International](/source/Iran_International)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260212122729/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601134082) from the original on 12 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Will the Iranian state move to reclaim the 'Lion and Sun' emblem?"](https://amwaj.media/en/media-monitor/will-the-iranian-state-move-to-reclaim-the-lion-and-sun-emblemnew). *Amwaj.media*. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 28 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Parsa, Mani (10 February 2026). ["Iranian Regime Seeks To Reclaim Lion And Sun Symbol Embraced By Protesters"](https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-lion-and-sun-flag/33674127.html). *Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260211142617/https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-lion-and-sun-flag/33674127.html) from the original on 11 February 2026. Retrieved 11 February 2026.

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v t e National symbols of Iran Flag Lion and Sun flag (1907–1980) Islamic Republic flag (1980–present) Emblems Lion and Sun (1846–1980) Emblem of the Islamic Republic (1980–present) Faravahar Anthems "The Royal Salute" (1873–1909) "Long Live the Shah" (1933–1979) "Long Live Iran" (1980–1990) "National Anthem" (1990–present) "Ey Iran" World Heritage Sites in Iran Intangible Cultural Heritage of Iran

v t e 2025–2026 Iranian protests Overview General Timeline [fa] Reactions Iranian diaspora Geographical scope [fa] Background Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present) Corruption Food inflation International sanctions Iran and state-sponsored terrorism Economic crisis Internal crisis Twelve-Day War United States strikes Mahsa Amini protests Gender inequality Sex segregation Energy crisis Water scarcity External operations Abduction of bodies Mass graves Political repression Human rights Guidance Patrol Freedom of religion Censorship Internet People Deaths Minors Shayan Asadollahi Reza Ghanbari Latif Karimi Mojtaba Tarshiz Death sentences Erfan Soltani Saleh Mohammadi Khamenei accusal Amirsalar Davoudi Hatam Ghaderi Abolfazl Ghadyani Abdollah Momeni Mohammad Najafi Jafar Panahi Mohammad Rasoulof Nasrin Sotoudeh Sedigheh Vasmaghi Diaspora Maryam Rajavi Reza Pahlavi Armed forces IRGC Cyber Command Basij Iranian police Special Units State-sponsored foreign militia Events Tehran's Tank Man Internet blackout Massacres Malekshahi Rasht UN resolution 2026 Iran war 2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations United States military buildup Assassination of Khamenei Defection of Iran women's national football team Slogans "Death to Khamenei" "Death to the Dictator" "Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, My Life for Iran" "Javid Shah" "This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return" "Reza Shah, bless your soul" Iran HR NGOs CHRI HRAI/HRANA ICHR IHRDC IHRNGO Investigations UNHCR fact-finding mission Related PMOI/MEK NCRI Separatism in Iran Kurdish separatism in Iran Insurgency in Sistan and Balochistan People's Fighters Front Federalism in Iran Iranian opposition Lion and Sun flag Lion and Sun Pahlavi dynasty Iran International

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lion and Sun flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_and_Sun_flag) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_and_Sun_flag?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.