The flag of Iran was officially adopted on July 29, 1980. The colors of the flag date to the mid-18th century; green represents Islam; white represents peace, and red means courage.
The centered symbol is said to symbolize the five principles of Islam. According to sources, the white stylized script on the red and green panels, repeated 22 times, is the Islamic phrase Allahu Akbar, meaning "God is greater than to be described. " The centered sword is representative of the country's strength.