Lion and Sun

Our Commitment to Heritage

The Lion and Sun flag is one of the most enduring and recognizable symbols of Iran, deeply rooted in the nation's history, identity, and sovereignty. However, throughout its historical evolution, one element of the flag has held different meanings—the sword.

Historical Context: The Lion, the Sun, and the Sword

The Lion and Sun emblem has been a prominent symbol in Iran since at least the 12th century, evolving through various dynasties. The earliest versions of the emblem, particularly during the Safavid era (1501–1736), emphasized the sword as a representation of Imam Ali’s Zulfiqar, a symbol of Shi'a Islam. During the Qajar dynasty (1789–1925), the emblem was standardized with a sword, reinforcing the connection between the state and Islamic governance. Under Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925–1941), the sword remained part of the flag but was more associated with strength and monarchy rather than religious identity.

Despite these historical associations, it is crucial to recognize that throughout Iranian history, the flag itself has always been known as the “Lion and Sun Flag”—not the "Lion, Sun, and Sword Flag." The sword was an addition with shifting meanings, and its role was often tied to the relationship between the monarchy and Islam.

Our Commitment to Secularism and Liberalism

One of our core principles as a party is the strict separation of religion and state. We stand for secularism (laïcité) as a foundational value—ensuring that governance remains free from religious influence, and that individuals have full freedom of belief without religious dogma dictating laws and policies. This is a core pillar of liberal democracy worldwide.

The presence of the sword in past versions of the Lion and Sun flag historically linked the state to Islam, reinforcing a connection between government power and religious authority—something we reject as a fundamental principle. By removing the sword, we reaffirm that Iran must be a secular nation, where governance is based on democracy, human rights, and individual freedoms rather than religious rule.

Furthermore, we emphasize that the Lion and Sun emblem itself has always been Iran’s national symbol, independent of the sword. Our version restores this emblem to its purest form, focusing on national identity rather than religious symbolism.

A Flag for All Iranians

In choosing the Lion and Sun without the sword, we aim to revive Iran’s historical identity while ensuring that our national symbols reflect modern liberal values. This version of the flag represents:

✅ Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage
✅ A rejection of religious authoritarianism
✅ A commitment to democracy, secularism, and individual freedoms

By embracing this flag, we honor Iran’s history while making a clear statement about our vision for the future—a future where Iran is governed by the people, for the people, without religious interference...