X Rips Blue Checkmark from Iranian Military Propaganda Account

The action was personally confirmed by Elon Musk, the platform’s owner.

The removal is the latest chapter in X’s aggressive cleanup of verified badges granted to Iranian government and military-linked accounts. It follows explosive reports revealing that numerous senior Iranian officials and state media outlets — many under strict U.S. sanctions — had quietly obtained X Premium subscriptions, complete with the coveted blue checkmark.

Under U.S. law, providing paid services to sanctioned entities risks violating economic sanctions. After media scrutiny and watchdog alerts highlighted the issue, X began systematically yanking the blue badges from high-profile Iranian accounts, including those of the foreign minister, judiciary chief, and other top regime figures.

The @IranMilitaryEN account, known for broadcasting official military statements and commentary in English, lost its blue check in recent days. The demotion strips the account of the visual seal of legitimacy and the algorithmic boosts that come with Premium status — a quiet but powerful downgrade.

Musk’s direct confirmation underscores his personal oversight of the platform’s sanctions compliance. While X continues to allow these accounts to operate and post freely in line with its free-speech stance, the loss of verification signals a firm line: paid prestige is off-limits for sanctioned military voices.

Critics had accused X of turning a blind eye to potential sanctions breaches; the swift removals now appear to be a course correction. Supporters view it as proof that the platform can balance open discourse with legal realities.

For now, @IranMilitaryEN soldiers on — but without the official-looking blue badge that once lent it an air of verified authority.