The flag of Iran, officially known as the national flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a green‑white‑red horizontal tricolour with a red emblem in the centre and repeated Arabic script along the borders of the coloured bands. It is defined in the country’s constitution and subsequent legislation as a primary state symbol, with detailed prescriptions for colours, emblem design, and inscriptions. Many reference works describe Iran’s flag as combining long‑standing tricolour usage with post‑1979 Islamic elements that reflect the current state structure.
In Farsi, the flag is generally referred to as “پرچم ایران” (Parcham‑e Irān, Flag of Iran), while official texts describe it as the national flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The design shows three equal horizontal bands of green, white, and red, a stylised central emblem composed of geometric forms derived from the word “Allah,” and a Kufic inscription of “Allahu Akbar” repeated along the inner edges of the green and red stripes. Standard explanations in educational and governmental sources link green to Islam and growth, white to peace, and red to courage or sacrifice, and present the emblem and script as expressions of religious and national identity.
This article outlines the flag of Iran’s core specifications, public presence in Iranian cities and transport networks, widely cited interpretations, historical development, visitor-facing etiquette, and practical relevance for travellers moving through Iran’s urban and regional spaces.
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Flag of Iran: Key Takeaways
Status: The flag of Iran is the officially recognised national flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, defined in the constitution and subsequent laws as a key state symbol.
Visibility: The Iranian flag appears on government ministries, provincial offices, embassies, schools, and military sites, as well as at official events and major public commemorations.
Specification: The design consists of a green‑white‑red horizontal tricolour with a red central emblem and stylised “Allahu Akbar” script repeated along the borders of the green and red bands.
Identification: Iran’s flag is recognised by its central red emblem formed from geometric strokes, the repeated Kufic inscription at the band edges, and the equal horizontal bands of green, white, and red.
Interpretation: Common interpretations associate green with Islam and growth, white with peace, red with bravery or martyrdom, and the emblem and script with faith and national unity, though details vary by source.
Public Presence of the Iranian Flag
Travellers arriving in Iran at major airports such as Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport typically see the national flag on tall flagpoles near terminal access roads and “Islamic Republic of Iran” welcome signage. Inside arrival halls, smaller flags often appear behind immigration counters, at customs exits, and on information desks, alongside bilingual or Farsi‑only directional signs.
In city centres across Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and other large urban areas, the Iranian flag is commonly displayed on or above government buildings, municipal offices, and courthouses, usually mounted on rooftop masts or poles at main entrances facing busy streets or squares. Around central squares and major thoroughfares, large flags can be seen on high masts in roundabouts or central reservations, where they function as visible markers of civic and offices in the capital of Iran.
On national or religious holidays and during significant political events, the density of flags in public spaces often increases, with additional displays on bridges, lampposts, and building façades along main avenues. In contrast, some smaller private businesses and residential streets may show no permanent flag display outside key commemorative periods, meaning that visibility varies between central civic zones and ordinary neighbourhoods.
Design and Layout of the Iran Flag
The Iranian flag follows a codified design specifying orientation, colours, inscriptions, emblem placement, and proportions to ensure consistent reproduction in official contexts. The table below summarises the principal technical characteristics used in legal and vexillological references.
| Característica | Specification |
| Orientation | Horizontal rectangular flag |
| Colores | Green, white, red |
| Digital colors | Green approx HEX #239F40 / RGB 35, 159, 64; red approx HEX #DA0000 / RGB 218, 0, 0 |
| Print colors | Green and red expressed through CMYK and Pantone codes used in national standards |
| Color arrangement | Three equal horizontal bands: green (top), white (middle), red (bottom) |
| Emblem or symbol placement | Red central emblem on the white band, composed of stylised strokes forming “Allah” with a sword-like vertical element |
| Official proportions | Standard aspect ratio 4:7 for national flag |
Technical guidance specifies that the Kufic inscription “Allahu Akbar” appears 22 times along the inner edges of the green and red bands, while the central emblem’s geometry and line thickness follow an approved template.
Flag of Iran: Meaning and Symbolism
Mainstream references describe the Iranian flag’s colours as carrying widely cited associations, with green linked to Islam and growth, white to peace and honesty, and red to courage, sacrifice, or the blood of those who died for the country. The central emblem is often explained as a stylised composition of the word “Allah” and overlapping elements that can be read as a sword, four crescents, and a central vertical motif, representing faith and strength.
Some scholarly and journalistic sources emphasise that interpretations differ between supporters of the Islamic Republic, secular commentators, and diaspora communities, particularly when comparing the current emblem to the earlier Lion and Sun design. Debates around symbolism frequently reflect broader political and cultural discussions, with varying emphasis on religious identity, historical continuity, and alternative visions of national representation.
What the Iran Flag Represents
The green band is widely described as representing Islam, hope, and growth associated with the land and faith.
The white band is commonly interpreted as signifying peace, honesty, and clarity between the other colours.
The red band is frequently linked to courage, martyrdom, and readiness to defend the country.
The central red emblem is often said to represent the word “Allah,” along with unity and strength founded on religious belief.
The repeated “Allahu Akbar” inscription is widely cited as expressing devotion and commemorating the date of the 1979 revolution.
How to Identify the Flag of Iran
At international airports, land border crossings, and diplomatic areas, the Iranian flag may appear alongside many other national flags, making clear recognition important for orientation. Visual checks of colour order, central emblem, and band inscriptions provide reliable cues for distinguishing it from other tricolours.
Look for a horizontal tricolour with three equal bands arranged green at the top, white in the middle, and red at the bottom.
Check the centre of the white band for a red emblem composed of symmetrical, curved strokes forming a compact, vertical design.
Confirm that the upper edge of the white band and the lower edge of the white band each show a continuous Kufic script border within the adjacent green and red stripes.
Note that there are no stars, shields, or animal figures on the current flag, unlike some of Iran’s historical banners.
Distinguish the Iran flag from other green‑white‑red tricolours by verifying the presence of the central emblem and repeated script along the coloured band edges.
Similar Flags Commonly Confused With the Iranian Flag
Several national flags use green, white, and red tricolours, especially in horizontal or vertical arrangements, which can cause confusion when seen from a distance or in stylised graphics. The table below outlines some commonly compared flags and key visual distinctions.
| Commonly confused with | Shared visual elements | Key difference |
| Italy flag | Green, white, red national colours | Vertical tricolour, no central emblem or band inscriptions. |
| Hungary flag | Horizontal green, white, red layout | Different colour order and no central emblem or script. |
| Tajikistan flag | Horizontal tricolour with central red element | Crown and stars emblem, different band colours and proportions. |
| Mexico flag | Green, white, red bands and central emblem | Vertical layout with a detailed coat of arms in the white band. |
| Bulgaria flag | White, green, red horizontal bands | No emblem or inscriptions, different shade placement. |
History of the Flag of Iran
The history of Iran’s flag reflects broader political and cultural transformations, from pre‑modern emblems through dynastic banners to the post‑1979 Islamic Republic design. Tricolour patterns, the Lion and Sun motif, and later the current emblem each mark distinct phases in the visual representation of the state.
Pre‑19th century: Various dynasties use differing standards and colours, with early appearances of the Lion and Sun symbol in royal and military contexts.
19th century: Green, white, and red tricolours featuring the Lion and Sun emblem gain prominence under Qajar and later Pahlavi rule.
1906 Constitutional Revolution: The tricolour with the Lion and Sun becomes closely associated with constitutional and national identity.
1979: Following the Islamic Revolution, the monarchy’s Lion and Sun emblem is removed, and a new emblem based on the word “Allah” is introduced along with the “Allahu Akbar” band inscriptions.
Late 20th–21st centuries: The current flag remains in official use, while the Lion and Sun flag continues to appear among some diaspora and opposition groups as an alternative national symbol.
Iran Flag Etiquette for Visitors: Common Dos and Don’ts
Visitor-facing observations of Iran’s flag etiquette focus on recognising it as a national and religiously infused symbol, with formal protocols mainly applied by state institutions and during official ceremonies. Public authorities follow internal regulations on flag condition, positioning, and usage, while visitors typically encounter general expectations of respectful behaviour in its presence.
As you explore the best things to do in Iran, the following table summarises commonly observed behaviours and typical avoidances without framing them as formal instructions.
| Commonly observed | Typically avoided |
| Clean, intact flags flown on official flagpoles at state buildings. | Displaying visibly torn or heavily faded flags on government sites. |
| Flag positioned prominently at ministries and key public institutions. | Using the national flag in contexts that appear mocking or desecratory. |
| Formal raising and lowering routines on significant national or religious dates. | Altering the central emblem or inscriptions in public official displays. |
| Use of standard proportions and colours on official premises. | Employing distorted shapes or non-standard colour schemes on state buildings. |
| Respectful treatment of flags at memorials and religiously significant sites. | Obstructing the flag with unrelated banners during official ceremonies. |
Flag of Iran: Practical Travel Tips for Tourists
The Iranian flag appears at airports, border posts, central squares, and official complexes, so its presence can help visitors confirm arrival in Iranian territory and recognise governmental or institutional buildings. Understanding basic flag context complements information from maps, metro diagrams, and road signage when navigating Iran’s large metropolitan areas and intercity routes.
Movement: Travellers typically move between major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Shiraz using domestic flights, long‑distance buses, and intercity trains, where flags are often visible on terminal façades and near main entrances.
Navigation: Central squares and administrative districts usually include flagpoles with the national flag near governor’s offices or municipal headquarters, providing a visual reference point that aligns with printed maps and navigation apps.
Language: Farsi is the primary language on street signs and public notices, and some tourist areas may add English, while flag displays remain consistent regardless of language variations.
Payments: Card use is present but can vary, and cash remains important for smaller establishments, with flags appearing mainly on institutional buildings rather than on payment infrastructure.
Networks: Major Iranian mobile operators provide coverage across cities and key transport corridors, supporting the use of maps, translation tools, and booking platforms in most populated regions.
Continuous connectivity also helps travellers check the time difference in Iran and coordinate communications with contacts in other countries.
Staying Connected in Iran with SimCorner
Consistent mobile connectivity helps travellers navigate from arrival at Iranian airports or land borders through onward journeys to cities, pilgrimage centres, and historical sites across the country. Map services, translation tools, accommodation platforms, and app‑based transport bookings generally work more smoothly with a local data solution than with intermittent international roaming.
SimCorner offers eSIM Iran options and physical Iran SIM cards designed for visitors who want predictable data allowances, transparent pricing, and coverage on major local networks. Typical offerings highlight instant setup via QR code or SIM activation, hotspot support for additional devices, and the absence of roaming fees within Iran under clearly defined plan conditions. Reliable data access also supports quick research into top things to do in Iran during layovers and overland journeys and allows travellers to confirm where is Iran in relation to neighbouring countries when planning multi‑country itineraries across the region.
The flag of Iran functions as a distinctive visual marker of the Islamic Republic’s institutions and public spaces, combining a tricolour structure with emblematic and script elements. For visitors, recognising the Iranian flag and understanding its context supports orientation, cultural awareness, and informed movement through the country’s urban centres and regional landscapes.
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