Red Flag At Iran’s Jamkaran Mosque: Here’s What It Means Amid Conflict With Israel

Last Updated:June 13, 2025, 17:52 IST

This isn't the first time the red flag was raised at Jamkaran— it was first hoisted in January 2020 after IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike

The Jamkaran Mosque is believed to have been built in 1003 AD by Hassan bin Muthlih Jamkarani. (News18 Hindi)

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel carried out a series of intense airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory, targeting what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as nuclear facilities and senior military officials. In swift retaliation, Iran launched around 100 drones toward Israel, the majority of which were intercepted, according to the IDF.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the completion of the first phase of their military operation. These strikes have resulted in the deaths of Iran’s army chief and several top nuclear scientists, delivering a significant blow to Tehran’s defence and nuclear capabilities.

As tensions soared, Iran raised a red flag over the Jamkaran Mosque — a symbol with deep historical and religious significance. But what does this red flag mean, and what message is Iran trying to send to the world through it?

Importance Of Jamkaran Mosque

Located in Jamkaran village, approximately 6 kilometres east of Qom, the mosque holds special religious significance in Shia Islam.

Renowned for its spiritual significance in Shia Islam, the Jamkaran Mosque is believed to have been built in 393 Hijri (1003 AD) by Hassan bin Muthlih Jamkarani, following a divine directive received in a dream from Imam Mahdi (AS), the twelfth Imam. According to Shia tradition, Imam Mahdi—regarded as the awaited Messiah who will establish justice and peace—commanded the mosque’s construction, making it a revered site of pilgrimage and devotion.

Why Tuesday Night Prayers At Jamkaran Mosque Hold Special Significance

Tuesday night prayers at the Jamkaran Mosque hold special significance for Shia Muslims, who believe that Imam Mahdi is “spiritually" present at the mosque on these nights. This belief draws thousands of pilgrims every Tuesday, who gather to pray and place written petitions in the ‘Well of Requests’, hoping their wishes will be fulfilled.

The mosque itself is a vast complex adorned with stunning Islamic art, blue-green domes, minarets, and prayer halls inscribed with Quranic verses. It also houses the Sahib Al-Zaman Courtyard and several entrances and prayer rooms. Beyond being a spiritual center, Jamkaran Mosque plays a vital community role—offering religious education, aid to the needy, and free food distribution on Tuesday nights.

Significance Of Jamkaran Mosque In Iran-Israel Tensions

The Jamkaran Mosque holds deep symbolic and political importance amid Iran-Israel tensions, particularly due to the raising of a red flag on its dome—a powerful emblem in Shia tradition representing “sacrificial blood" and a call for “revenge."

This mosque often draws international attention whenever the red flag is hoisted, signaling Iran’s vow to avenge a significant death or attack.

Notably, this is not the first time the red flag has been raised at Jamkaran. It was first unfurled in January 2020 following the assassination of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Iraq.

Since then, the flag has been raised on multiple occasions: after Iran’s missile and drone attacks against Israel in April 2024, and again following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, 2024.

Location :

Iran

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News world Red Flag At Iran’s Jamkaran Mosque: Here’s What It Means Amid Conflict With Israel