Crossword Genius

Mate fires gun from Persian Gulf (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

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'mate' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Friend (colloq.)" , "Mate, informal friend" , "Crony" , "China" , "Close friend" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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