Iran and Iraq parliamentary speakers clash over Gulf naming

A diplomatic dispute has emerged between the speakers of the Iranian and Iraqi parliaments regarding the naming of the body of water between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. During a visit to Iraq, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf shared a photo featuring a map labeled ‘Persian Gulf’. In a direct response, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi posted a similar image using a map labeled ‘Arabian Gulf’.

This symbolic disagreement occurs alongside sensitive political and economic discussions. While meeting with Iraqi officials, including the Prime Minister, the discussions covered security and economic files. Notably, al-Halbousi requested special considerations for Iraqi oil exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the economic importance of the waterway to Iraq's economy.

The naming dispute is a long-standing issue with deep historical and political roots, reflecting different regional identities and nationalist sentiments. While Iran maintains the use of ‘Persian Gulf’, the term ‘Arabian Gulf’ is the official and widely used designation in Iraq and many Arab nations.