In News:

The United States, under then-President Donald Trump, proposed a shift in terminology by referring to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” during a state visit to Saudi Arabia, aligning with the preferences of some Arab Gulf countries.

Historical and Geopolitical Background

• The name “Persian Gulf” has been historically documented since the 16th century, appearing in treaties, maps, and international references.
• Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain use the term “Arabian Gulf” in national documents and cartography.
• The proposal by Trump faced criticism from Iran, which regards the renaming as a politically motivated act aimed at undermining its historical and cultural identity.

Iran’s Response

• Iran’s leadership, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has condemned any attempt to alter the name, calling it a hostile and invalid act with no legal or geographical legitimacy.
• In 2012, Iran had threatened to sue Google for omitting the name "Persian Gulf" from its maps.

International Standards

• The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), responsible for standardizing maritime names, continues to officially recognise the name “Persian Gulf.”
• While countries can adopt different terms domestically, they cannot enforce global changes unilaterally.

Geographical Features of the Persian Gulf

• Type: Marginal sea of the Indian Ocean, located in Western Asia.
• Size: ~251,000 km²
• Depth: Average ~50 m; Maximum ~90 m
• Coastline: ~5,117 km; Iran has the longest stretch (~1,536 km)
• Borders:
  • North: Iran
  • Southwest: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar
  • Northwest: Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain
• Islands:
  • Qeshm Island (Iran): Largest in the Gulf (~1,491 km²)
  • Bahrain: Sovereign island nation with over 50 islands and a key US naval base

Strategic and Economic Significance

• The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a critical chokepoint for global energy, with ~30% of global oil exports passing through.
• The region is a theatre of military presence, with navies of the US, Iran, and Gulf countries asserting control and influence.
• Strategic islands like Qeshm and Bahrain hold economic and military importance.