Trump ally wages digital 'war' on Khamenei: Iranians bring pre-1979 flag back to life amid unrest

As nationwide protests rocked Iran, Elon Musk’s platform X triggered fresh controversy after users reported that Iran’s flag emoji was changed to the pre-1979 Lion and Sun symbol, amid a sweeping internet blackout imposed by authorities. The move came as deadly unrest spread across all 31 provinces, driven by inflation and a collapsing rial, with rights groups reporting at least 45 deaths. Videos showed protesters waving the old flag and chanting a Persian phrase popularized by Musk in a public exchange with Supreme Leader Khamenei. Iran’s leadership urged restraint as unrest deepened.