{
  "id": 18118364,
  "title": "Why is the Islamic Republic banning the Lion and Sun emblem amid anti-regime protests? - analysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/why-is-the-islamic-republic-banning-the-lion-and-sun-emblem-amid-anti",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T12:32:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-913818"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Islamic Republic of Iran has recently banned the sale and display of the Lion and Sun emblem, a symbol that was once part of the country's national flag for centuries. The directive, issued by the Mashhad Gold, Jewelry, Silver and Coin Dealers Union, covers a wide range of items, from jewelry and coins to bracelets and pendants. This prohibition is particularly peculiar, given Iran's long-standing struggle to eliminate symbols associated with the monarchy it overthrew. The Lion and Sun emblem has recently resurfaced during anti-regime protests, appearing on flags, clothing, and jewelry carried by demonstrators both domestically and internationally. It has become closely linked with supporters of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, although its symbolism extends beyond monarchists. Historically, the emblem has deep roots in Persian culture, dating back to the Safavid period and the establishment of Twelver Shi'ism as Iran's dominant religion. However, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini denounced the emblem as \"accursed\" and demanded its removal from all government institutions. The emblem was subsequently removed from the national flag and replaced by the Islamic Republic's new insignia. Despite the authorities' hostility towards the emblem, Iranians have continued to find it for sale in bazaars and jewelry shops throughout the past 47 years. The selective enforcement of this ban is consistent with the regime's approach to public expression, which often tolerates certain displays of dissent or attachment to Iran's pre-revolutionary past to maintain an appearance of political pluralism. However, this tolerance can be withdrawn abruptly if authorities perceive an expression of national identity as a political threat. During the nationwide protests that began in December 2025, demonstrators increasingly called for the return of the Pahlavi family, leading to a resurgence of Lion and Sun imagery in opposition demonstrations abroad. In one notable incident, a protester briefly replaced the Islamic Republic's flag with the Lion and Sun on the balcony of the Iranian Embassy in London. The authorities have not taken kindly to this symbol of opposition. In September, Iran International reported allegations of torture against protesters bearing nationalist tattoos, including a Lion and Sun tattoo. Security forces have also been accused of mutilating the tattooed skin of detained protesters. In February, Ali-Akbar Salehi, Iran's former foreign minister and head of the Foundation for Iranology, claimed that the Lion and Sun actually belongs to the Islamic Republic, suggesting that its use by others is inappropriate. The recent ban on the sale of Lion and Sun jewelry in Mashhad underscores the regime's ongoing efforts to suppress symbols of resistance and maintain control over public expressions of identity.",
  "summary": "Nearly 47 years after Iran's Islamic Revolution, authorities are cracking down on jewelry bearing the Lion and Sun, a symbol of growing opposition.",
  "key_points": [
    "Iran bans Lion and Sun emblem sale, linked to anti-regime protests",
    "Symbol dates back to Safavid period, historically significant in Persian culture",
    "Ban reflects regime's suppression of opposition symbols and identity"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}