A group of Iranians gathered outside the Embassy of Iran in Nicosia, expressing relief and celebrating following reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
Gathering outside the embassy
The gathering took place outside the Iranian Embassy in the capital, where members of the Iranian community assembled in a celebratory atmosphere. Participants were seen raising flags and chanting against both the regime and Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
According to the footage, those present described their actions as an expression of opposition to the authorities in Tehran.
The two Iranian flags and their symbolism
Two different Iranian flags are commonly seen at such gatherings, reflecting contrasting political identities.
Current official flag of the Islamic Republic
The official flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been in use since 1980, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
It consists of three horizontal stripes in green, white and red. At its centre is a red emblem representing the word “Allah” in stylised form. Along the borders between the white stripe and the green and red stripes is a repeated inscription of “Allahu Akbar” written 22 times, symbolising the date of the revolution.
This is the flag recognised internationally as the official state symbol of Iran.
Pre-1979 flag with lion and sun
The pre-revolutionary flag, used before 1979, also features green, white and red horizontal stripes. However, at its centre it bears the “Lion and Sun” emblem, a historic symbol associated with Iran’s monarchy and earlier state traditions.
The Lion and Sun flag is widely used today by opposition groups and members of the Iranian diaspora who oppose the Islamic Republic. It is often presented as a symbol of resistance to the current regime rather than as an official state emblem.
Slogans and community response
In the Nicosia gathering, participants were seen holding the Lion and Sun flag while chanting slogans against the regime. The event had a distinctly celebratory character, with attendees expressing what they described as relief at the reported development.