'Long live Iran': France No. 1 Firouzja shares powerful message amid unrest
French No. 1 chess grandmaster Alireza Firouzja drew global attention after posting “Long live Iran” on social media and sharing the monarchial-era Iranian flag. The post was linked to ongoing protests and a humanitarian crisis in Iran. Though now a French citizen, Firouzja’s message showed strong solidarity with Iranians and highlighted his deep emotional ties to his country of birth.