This ugly, sectarian naming dispute over the Persian Gulf keeps coming back again and again. Countries around the world are staking their claim to its title. The Persian Gulf is an increasingly important shipping lane that stretches between Iran’s southern coast and the coastlines of Iran’s arch-enemies, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. For decades it has been a tinder box for political and cultural tensions.
As a historical footnote, the Persian Gulf has long been known by that name, dating back at least to the 1700s. This designation has sparked a firestorm of criticism from Arab states. They have lobbied quite heavily for changing the name from the “Persian Gulf” to the “Arabian Gulf.” Whether this name change represents a regional identity struggle or not, it has led to substantial diplomatic conflict in recent years.
Iran, once the heart of the former Persian Empire, has vigorously opposed the encroachment on the traditional name. The 2012 Iranian protests led to a government crackdown on Google. Last year, the minister threatened to sue the tech giant for referring to their region as “Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)” on its maps. This unnecessary incident drew attention to the substantial cultural ramifications related to the naming of the Gulf and continued to stoke division.
Despite these tensions, major U.S. news outlets such as NBC News and The Associated Press continue to refer to the body of water as the Persian Gulf. Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Arabia are the standard terms used in much of the Arab world. This divergence in terminology is just a small peek into the geopolitical complexities that the region holds.
The Persian Gulf is strategically important for the whole world. The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint, serving as the pathway for 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments. The strategic importance of this waterway has intensified discussions surrounding its naming and ownership, as it impacts international trade dynamics.
The Trump administration’s involvement in indirect talks with Iranian officials regarding Iran’s nuclear program adds another layer to this already convoluted issue. A backdrop of rising tensions in the region has only hurt both countries’ efforts. How these countries eventually decide to name the Gulf could have an outsized influence on their long-term diplomatic relationship.
With each rebrand, tech companies big and small are tiptoeing through a loaded naming minefield. Yet their choices lay bare the continuing fight to control the spoils of cultural identity. As of this writing, Apple Maps still designates the area as the Persian Gulf. In comparison, Google has deployed the greater dual designation, emphasizing the importance of measured action within a polarized political environment.
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