Persian Gulf Name Change: President Donald Trump plans to announce during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia that the United States will refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. This move is seen as an attempt to strengthen ties with Arab nations, which have long pushed for the name change, while Iran maintains its historical connection to the region.
Historical Context
The Persian Gulf has been known by that name since the 16th century. However, many Middle Eastern countries predominantly use “Gulf of Arabia” or “Arabian Gulf.” Iran, formerly known as Persia, has a deep emotional attachment to the name Persian Gulf, reflecting its rich history as the Persian Empire.
Reaction from Iran
Iran’s government has strongly opposed the name change. In 2017, during Trump’s first term, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani suggested Trump needed to “study geography” after he used the term “Arabian Gulf.” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif criticized Trump’s move, stating, “Everyone knew Trump’s friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is, too.
Still on Persian Gulf Name Change
Current Stance
Iran’s current Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that names of Middle Eastern waterways reflect a shared respect for humanity’s collective heritage, not ownership by a particular nation. He condemned politically motivated attempts to alter the historically established name of the Persian Gulf, warning that such actions would have no validity or geographical effect but would provoke widespread outrage among Iranians worldwide.
International Perspective
The International Hydrographic Organization, of which the United States is a member, works to uniformly survey and chart the world’s seas and navigable waters. While countries may refer to the same body of water by different names in their documentation, Trump’s announcement could impact how the U.S. officially refers to the Persian Gulf.
Trump’s Visit and Motivations
Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia, where he will also visit Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, aims to strengthen U.S. ties with Gulf countries. He seeks financial investment in the U.S. and support in regional conflicts, including resolving the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and limiting Iran’s advancing nuclear program. Trump’s personal businesses retain ownership from the Oval Office, adding complexity to his financial ties with these countries.
Previous Controversy
This move follows Trump’s earlier attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The Associated Press sued the Trump administration after being barred from covering most events due to their refusal to follow the president’s executive order. A U.S. District Judge ruled in favor of the AP, stating the First Amendment protects them from government retaliation over word choice.
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