Persian Gulf: National Identity, Regional Convergence, and Geopolitical Immortality

Ordibehest 10th not only commemorates the end of Portuguese colonization of the southern waters of Iran, but also a manifestation of an identity that is deeply rooted in the history, culture, and collective memory of Iranians.

For Iran, the Persian Gulf is not just a body of water, but also a symbol of the continuity of a civilization that, from thousands of years of history, continues to raise its voice in various fields today.

At the national level, the Persian Gulf is an inseparable part of Iran's historical, cultural, and political identity; From Achaemenid tablets, ancient maps, and classical literature in the distant past to historical narratives and documents in recent centuries, all testify that the name and existence of this gulf are intertwined with Iran.

Preserving the Persian Gulf National Day is preserving a heritage that is considered a form of historical forgetfulness and identity vacuum.

At the regional level, the Persian Gulf can become a platform for regional unity rather than a field of erosive competition. The countries of the Persian Gulf are facing common challenges, from environmental threats such as warming waters, oil pollution, and loss of biodiversity to concerns about maritime security, regional trade, and combating maritime terrorism.

The Persian Gulf National Day can be an incentive to rethink environmental, economic, and security cooperation; an opportunity to prefer dialogue over tension.

At the international level, although some analysts speak of the decline in the energy-oriented importance of the Persian Gulf in the wake of the global transition from fossil fuels, the geopolitics of this region remain key.

Its strategic location on the energy highway, the military presence of trans-regional powers, and the Persian Gulf's role in the security of global markets continue to attract the attention of global players.

The Persian Gulf is not only a passage for oil and gas but also a field of geopolitical influence in the Middle East, and many components contribute to its geopolitical immortality and unassailable position.

For this reason, celebrating the Persian Gulf is not just a calendar occasion, but also a reminder of the necessity of protecting identity, strengthening regional cooperation, and continuing to be an active player in the international system.

The Persian Gulf National Day should not only be celebrated, but also considered a platform for rethinking Iran's role in the region and the world.