Persian Gulf vs Arabian Gulf

Persian Gulf vs Arabian Gulf Latest News

The US President Donald Trump plans to officially rename the ‘Persian Gulf’ as the ‘Arabian Gulf’ during a visit to Saudi Arabia, aligning with the preferences of Arab Gulf nations.

Historical Context and Naming Dispute

• The term ‘Persian Gulf’ has been used consistently since the 16th century, widely recognised in historical records, international treaties, and cartographic references.
• Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, prefer the term ‘Arabian Gulf’, using it in their national maps and documents.
• In 2012, Iran threatened to sue Google for not labelling the water body on its maps, asserting its historical naming rights.

Geographical Features of the Persian Gulf

• The Persian Gulf is a marginal sea of the Indian Ocean, located in Western Asia, and is a vital geopolitical chokepoint.
• It is connected to the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime passages for global oil shipments.
• It spans ~251,000 km², with an average depth of 50 meters and maximum depth of 90 meters.
• The coastline stretches ~5,117 km, with Iran having the longest stretch (~1,536 km).
• It is bounded by:
  • North: Iran
  • Southwest: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE
  • Northwest: Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain
• Important Islands: Qeshm Island (Iran) is the Largest island in the Persian Gulf, with an area of ~1,491 km²—about 2.5 times the size of Bahrain.
  • Bahrain: A sovereign archipelago state, comprising over 50 islands, and a significant US naval base location.
• Institutional recognition: The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) still recognises the water body as the Persian Gulf.
  • Although countries can use alternative names domestically, they cannot impose unilateral changes in global nomenclature.

Strategic and Economic Importance

• The Persian Gulf is central to global energy security, with ~30% of the world’s oil exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
• It is a theatre of naval deployment for countries like the USA, Iran, and Gulf states, often reflecting power projection and regional dominance.
• Islands like Qeshm (Iran) and Bahrain (a sovereign state) hold strategic military and economic value.

Persian Gulf vs Arabian Gulf FAQs

Q1. What is the Persian Gulf?
Ans. The Persian Gulf is a shallow inland sea in Western Asia, bordered by countries like Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.

Q2. What is the Strait of Hormuz?
Ans. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, through which a significant share of global oil supply passes, making it a strategic chokepoint.

Source: IE