Judiciary Official Warns: Distorting Persian Gulf’s Name Threatens Iran’s Historical Identity

In a recent statement, Nasser Seraj, the Judiciary’s deputy for international affairs, emphasized the significance of the Persian Gulf’s historical name. He warned that any efforts to alter its name would be viewed as a hostile and provocative act.

Seraj, who also serves as the secretary of Iran’s High Council for Human Rights, expressed his concerns on Saturday. He stated that:

“Distorting the name of the Persian Gulf is a violation of the fundamental principles of human rights, cultural rights of nations, and an attack on the historical identity of Iranians.”

He further elaborated on the importance of the Persian Gulf, highlighting that:

• The Persian Gulf is an inseparable part of Iranian history.
• This strategic waterway has deep roots in human civilization.
• It has been recognized by the same name for centuries in maps, official documents, and diplomatic correspondence.

Seraj clarified that the attempts to change the ancient name of the Persian Gulf are:

1. Completely political.
2. Biased.
3. Rooted in anti-Iranian intentions from those known for their hostility towards the country.

He noted that Iran has accepted names such as the Sea of Oman, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea in line with international norms. However, he stressed that any efforts to distort the name of the Persian Gulf are merely attempts to:

Provoke public opinion and hurt the national feelings of Iranians.

Seraj praised the Iranian people for their “proud outburst and protests,” stating that their anger and unparalleled unity serve as a decisive response to biased narratives. He asserted that the Persian Gulf is not just a geographical area, but:

“A part of the soul of the Iranian nation.”

Moreover, he warned that any move by Google and other international platforms to misname the Persian Gulf would ultimately undermine their credibility.