President Donald Trump plans to announce that the United States will officially refer to the “Persian Gulf” as the “Arabian Gulf” during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This decision, reported on by the Associated Press based on two unnamed sources, has ignited strong backlash from Iran, which views the move as a politically motivated affront to its national identity.
The Persian Gulf, historically recognized since the 16th century, borders several Gulf states, including Iran, which possesses the longest stretch of coastline along the waterway. While many Arab nations prefer the term “Arabian Gulf,” the international community, including the United Nations and the International Hydrographic Organization, predominantly uses “Persian Gulf.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, condemned the proposed name change, stating it is “politically motivated” and indicative of “hostile intent toward Iran and its people.” He emphasized that such actions are “firmly condemned” and warned that the change would “bring the wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life and political persuasion in Iran, the U.S. and across the world.”
This is not the first time President Trump has proposed renaming a significant body of water. Earlier in his administration, he directed U.S. federal departments to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a move that also faced criticism.
The decision to rename the Persian Gulf is seen by some analysts as a diplomatic gesture toward Arab allies, aiming to strengthen ties in the region. However, critics argue that such a move could further strain U.S.-Iran relations, especially amid ongoing nuclear negotiations. European diplomats mediating these talks have expressed concern that the renaming could empower Iranian hardliners and undermine diplomatic progress.
