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Javid Shah (Persian:جاوید شاه,lit. 'Long live theShah') is a phrase in support of themonarchs of Iran. Since theIranian Revolution, the phrase has also become apolitical slogan used by theIranian opposition to demonstrate opposition to theIslamic Republic government.[1][2] Supporters generally are not calling for anabsolute monarchy, but rather aconstitutional monarchy.[3]
DuringPahlavi Iran, the phrase "Javid Shah" was commonly used in official ceremonies and in public spaces. At the time, usage of the phrase was more a "psychological and social adaptation to the established order" rather than a sign of conscious political action.[3]
After theIranian Revolution in 1979, the newIslamic Republic government banned all symbols of theIranian monarchy including the phrase "Javid Shah", and violations risked arrest, torture, or even death. Because of this, the phrase has become a conscious act of resistance against the government. A notable usage was fromMehdi Rahimi, who was a lieutenant general during the Pahlavi dynasty and was set to beexecuted by the Iranian government.[4] Before being shot, he shouted "Javid Shah" in salute to express his loyalty to the Iranian monarchy.[5] Since then, the phrase has become a form of "resistance and political protest".[6][7]
During the2019–2020 Iranian protests, there were increasing calls from protesters for the restoration of thePahlavi dynasty.[8] The slogan became more prominent during theMahsa Amini protests among theIranian opposition.[9] Then during the2025–2026 Iranian protests, this slogan resurged in popularity along with several other pro-Pahlavi slogans, such as "This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return" and "Reza Shah, May God bless your soul [fa]".[10] There were several instances of the phrase being displayed in public places, including one inIsfahan[11] and another inQom.[12]
In response to chants in support of thePahlavi dynasty among protesters, Iranian state newspaperFarheekhtegan stated that even though "many thought" the name of Pahlavi would be gone from "Iranian lips" after theIran-Israel war, but it was again heard on the streets.[13]