Iran, Iraqi parliament speakers spar over Gulf name in social media exchange

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A social media exchange between Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Kalibaf and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Hebib Halbusi has revived a long-running dispute over the name of the Gulf. The row began after Kalibaf posted a photo from his visit to Baghdad showing a backdrop with the Persian phrase "Fars Körfezi," or Persian Gulf. Halbusi responded on X with his own photo in front of a backdrop reading "Arap Körfezi," or Arab Gulf, drawing sharply divided reactions online, with users variously backing Kalibaf's wording or praising Halbusi's stance. Historical accounts note that ancient Greek geographers referred to the body of water as the Persian Gulf, a name that carried into Islamic geographical tradition. Some Islamic sources also used alternatives such as the Basra Gulf or Sea of Basra, but Persian Gulf became the dominant term in general use. The Arab Gulf designation spread widely in the mid-20th century alongside the rise of Arab nationalism. United Nations geographical documents continue to use "Persian Gulf," while many Arab states prefer "Arab Gulf" in official papers.