Certain names transcend geography to become emblems of civilization, carrying the weight of history and honor. The Persian Gulf, a vital waterway for over 2,500 years, is one such name. Universally recognized as the Persian Gulf, it embodies the enduring legacy of Persian civilization and the sacrifices of those who served in its waters. Today, this name faces a deliberate campaign to erase it, driven by political motives that threaten historical truth and international law. This is not merely a dispute over nomenclature; it is a fight for integrity, sacrifice, and the preservation of a shared global heritage.
The name "Persian Gulf" is a historical constant, documented across cultures and epochs. Ancient Greek historian Herodotus referenced it in the 5th century BCE, as did Arab geographer Al-Idrisi in the 12th century. Maps from the Ottoman Empire and European cartographers, from the 16th century onward, consistently used "Persian Gulf," reflecting its role as a cultural and maritime cornerstone of Persian civilization. This name is not a claim of dominance but a recognition of historical reality.
This legacy extends beyond texts to the sacrifices of American soldiers. Their gravestones in US cemeteries bear the words "Persian Gulf," a solemn tribute to their service in conflicts like the Gulf War. Military honors, such as the Southwest Asia Service Medal, are inscribed with "Persian Gulf," commemorating bravery in waters known by this name for millennia. To replace it is to dishonor their memory and erase a truth etched in stone and sacrifice.
The name "Persian Gulf" is safeguarded by a robust framework of international law, which explicitly prohibits politically motivated renaming. Key legal standards include:
- United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN): Tasked with standardizing geographical names, UNGEGN's resolutions (e.g., 1972, 2006) mandate the use of historically established names. "Persian Gulf" is the sole recognized name, and alternatives like "Arabian Gulf" are deemed invalid.
- UN Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names: Resolutions from the 1967 and 1977 conferences (e.g., Resolution III/10) prohibit changes to historical names for political purposes, noting that such actions undermine international cooperation and navigational clarity. The Persian Gulf's name is a global standard.
- UN Secretariat Directives: Documents such as ST/CS/SER.A/29 (1994) and ST/CS/SER.A/29/Add.2 (1999) mandate that all UN bodies use "Persian Gulf" exclusively in official communications, reinforcing its legal status.
- 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas and 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): These treaties emphasize consistent, historically accurate names for maritime features to ensure navigational safety and international harmony. Renaming the Persian Gulf violates these principles, risking confusion and conflict.
These laws make it unequivocal: no entity – state, organization, or corporation – has the authority to alter the Persian Gulf's name. Such attempts are historically baseless and illegal under international law.
In recent decades, certain regional powers, leveraging oil wealth and political influence, have sought to replace "Persian Gulf" with "Arabian Gulf." This is not an academic oversight but a calculated effort to erase the cultural identity of the Iranian people and rewrite history for political gain. By promoting a name without historical or legal basis, these actors aim to assert dominance and sow division.
This manipulation threatens the very foundation of historical integrity. If names can be altered by wealth or power, no nation's heritage is safe. The Persian Gulf is not a commodity to be rebranded; it is a legacy of humanity, protected by history and law.
Digital platforms have become complicit in this distortion by occasionally displaying "Arabian Gulf" alongside "Persian Gulf." This practice violates UNGEGN resolutions and UN directives, lending legitimacy to a falsehood. By yielding to political pressure, such platforms blur the line between truth and propaganda. As stewards of global information, digital platforms have a legal and ethical obligation to uphold international standards.
A shared cause: Solidarity between Iranians and Israelis
The defense of the Persian Gulf's name has united unlikely allies. Many Israelis, who have fought to preserve their own historical identity against erasure, stand with Iranians in this struggle. On platforms like X, Israeli voices have championed "Persian Gulf," recognizing that distorting one nation's history threatens all. This solidarity, rooted in a shared commitment to truth, bridges divides and fosters hope for cooperation in a region often fractured by conflict.
Israel's resilience in safeguarding its heritage mirrors Iran's fight to protect the Persian Gulf's name. Together, these peoples affirm that historical integrity is a universal value, transcending borders and politics.
The controversy over the Persian Gulf's name reflects broader regional instability fueled by oil wealth and political manipulation. True peace requires leadership that honors history and prioritizes the common good. King Reza Pahlavi, the exiled heir to Iran's monarchy, embodies this vision.
A restored Iranian monarchy under King Reza Pahlavi could stabilize Iran and the Middle East. His commitment to a free, democratic Iran that respects its historical legacy and fosters peaceful relations with neighbors, including Israel, offers a path beyond conflict. In such an Iran, the Persian Gulf would remain a symbol of pride and unity, untainted by political agendas.
We issue an urgent call to action:
- To Google Maps and Digital Platforms: Comply with UNGEGN resolutions, UN directives, and international law by exclusively using "Persian Gulf." Reject alternatives that violate historical and legal standards.
- To the International Community: Oppose efforts to rewrite history for political gain. Uphold UNGEGN, the Geneva Convention, and UNCLOS, affirming that truth is non-negotiable.
- To All Defenders of Truth: Join Iranians, Israelis, and global citizens in protecting the Persian Gulf's name. Amplify this cause on platforms like X, reject distortions driven by wealth, and champion historical integrity.
The Persian Gulf is more than a name – it is a testament to a civilization's endurance, a symbol of sacrifice, and a beacon of truth. Let us unite to ensure it remains the Persian Gulf, now and forever.
