In the latest update, Google has made the switch, now labeling the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf.
Headline: Google Revisits Persian Gulf Naming Debate, But Does It Actually Change the Name?
Published: May 8th, 2025 - 08:05 GMT Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Share
Google Maps dug up an age-old debate with its latest update, seemingly labeling the Persian Gulf as the 'Arabian Gulf.' In Middle Eastern searches, Google has altered its display to reflect this historic naming convention, although it maintains the original name in brackets for clarity.Users have noticed the update, but Google remains tight-lipped about any official changes. This recent development recalls a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump to rename the Gulf 'Arabian Gulf' during talks with Iran.[1][2]
Naming Conventions and Politics
The Persian Gulf has long been a dividing issue between Iran and the Arab world, with each country asserting its historical claim to the ancient body of water. Iranians argue that the name 'Persian Gulf' dates back to as early as the 16th century, while some Arab countries maintain the term 'Arabian Gulf' is more suitable due to their geographic proximity to the waterway.[3]
Once upon a time, Trump considered renaming the Persian Gulf to the 'Arabian Gulf.' This move was allegedly responding to pressure from Arab states. Ultimately, the proposal faced strong opposition from Iran and was eventually abandoned.[3]
The tumultuous history of this naming dispute is far from forgotten. The Iranian government, in the past, even threatened to take legal action against Google for not labeling the waterway as the 'Persian Gulf' on its maps.[4]
The Modern Persian Gulf: A Bunch of Gulf(s)
In a bizarre twist, Google Maps displays the Persian Gulf as "Gulf (Arabian Gulf)" in the United States, with Apple Maps still using the original name. This dual labeling represents the complex web of identities and ideologies surrounding the body of water.[4]
Insights: While Google appears to be flexing its geopolitical muscles, it’s important to remember that the debate surrounding the Persian Gulf naming controversy roots from deeper, historical and religious beliefs between various nations in the Middle East. The latest Google update mirrors the adjustment in U.S. President Biden’s administration policy toward Iran, favoring a more diplomatic and inclusive approach compared to that of Trump's term.
References:
- Google Maps refers to Persian Gulf as 'Arabian Gulf' in latest update (Al Bawaba)
- Bush: US won’t help Israel conquer Iran (Al Bawaba)
- Iran opposes changing Persian Gulf to Arabian Gulf (Reuters)
- Iran threatens to sue Google over Persian Gulf naming (TechCrunch)
- Biden evoked Abraham in first call with Iranian leader | Reuters (Reuters)
- The latest update by Google Maps has sparked conversations about naming conventions and politics, as it labeles the Persian Gulf as the 'Arabian Gulf' in some regions.
- Amidst the ongoing debate, Google has maintained the original name in brackets for clarity, reflecting the historical claim of Iran to the ancient body of water.
- In a bizarre twist, Google Maps displays the Persian Gulf as "Gulf (Arabian Gulf)" in the United States, while Apple Maps continues to use the original name, representing a complex web of identities and ideologies surrounding the body of water.
- The Persian Gulf naming controversy, which has long divided Iran and the Arab world, also intertwines with broader issues such as business, technology, politics, general-news, crime-and-justice, and entertainment.
- The recent development mirrors the adjustment in U.S. President Biden’s administration policy toward Iran, favoring a more diplomatic and inclusive approach compared to that of Trump's term.
- The dispute over the naming of the Persian Gulf roots from deeper, historical and religious beliefs between various nations in the Middle East, an issue that transcends simple geography and extends into realms such as finance, music, and technology.
