Will Elon Musk’s X changing the Iranian flag have any impact on the ground?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Justin SalhaniJanuary 11, 2026 at 07:13 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Amid intensifying protests in Iran that began in late December 2025 due to economic grievances, Elon Musk's X platform changed the Iranian flag emoji to the pre-1979 version, a symbol associated with the former monarchy. The protests, now widespread across Iran, are challenging the current regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Musk's actions followed a post by Khamenei and have garnered support from some regime critics. Analysts suggest that while the flag change might offer a small boost to protesters, its impact is limited due to internet blackouts imposed by the government. The protests are driven by dissatisfaction with political, economic, and social conditions, with many calling for an end to the rule of the ayatollahs.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Al Jazeera 30% Negar Mortazavi 40% Donald Trump 40% Center for International Policy 40% Tehran 50% Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 60% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×270% X (formerly Twitter) ×380% Elon Musk ×590% Iran ×795%

Keywords

iranian protests 100% elon musk 90% x platform 80% iranian flag 80% islamic revolution 70% iran regime 70% ayatollah ali khamenei 60% economic crisis 50% political unrest 50% social media impact 40%