Trump Reportedly Considering Renaming Persian Gulf, Sparking International Outcry
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering renaming the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf during his upcoming trip to the Middle East, a move that has already drawn sharp criticism from Iran and threatens to further escalate tensions in the region. The Associated Press initially reported the expected announcement, noting a prior instance where the Trump administration faced backlash for attempting to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
While the White House has not yet officially confirmed the plan, two U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, corroborated the report to the AP.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, responded vehemently to the reports via social media, condemning any attempt to alter the "historically established name of the Persian Gulf" as a sign of "hostile intent toward Iran and its people." Araghchi characterized such actions as an "affront to all Iranians, regardless of their background or place of residence." He expressed hope that the rumors were merely a "disinformation campaign" designed to provoke Iranians worldwide.
Araghchi emphasized the Persian Gulf’s deep historical roots, stating that Iran has never objected to the use of other regional sea names, such as the Sea of Oman, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, or Red Sea. He argued that these names reflect a "shared respect for the collective heritage of humanity" rather than implying ownership by any particular nation. He voiced confidence that Trump is "aware that the name PERSIAN Gulf is centuries old and recognized by all cartographers and international bodies" and was even used by regional leaders in their official communications until the 1960s.
He cautioned that while any such renaming would lack "validity or legal or geographical effect," it would "bring the wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life and political persuasion in Iran, the U.S. and across the world."
Trump’s impending visit to the Middle East includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which border the contested body of water.
The potential name change comes as U.S. and Iranian officials are slated to convene for a fourth round of nuclear talks in Oman. Vice President JD Vance indicated that the U.S. is aiming for a "complete cessation" of Iran’s nuclear program.
The dispute over the gulf’s name is a long-standing issue, with Arab nations advocating for the "Arabian Gulf" designation, while Iran insists on maintaining the historical "Persian Gulf" name, linking it to the Persian Empire.
The Persian Gulf has been predominantly known by that name since the 16th century, although the terms "Gulf of Arabia" and "Arabian Gulf" are more prevalent in many Middle Eastern countries. In 2012, the Iranian government threatened legal action against Google for not labeling the body of water on its maps. Currently, Google Maps in the U.S. displays "Persian Gulf" followed by "Arabian Gulf" in parentheses, while Apple Maps exclusively uses "Persian Gulf."
Notably, the U.S. military has, for several years, unilaterally used "Arabian Gulf" in its official statements and images.
A similar controversy arose in 2017 during Trump’s first term when he used the name "Arabian Gulf," prompting then-Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to suggest that Trump needed to "study geography." Then-Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also commented online, stating, "Everyone knew Trump’s friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is, too."
The potential renaming of the Persian Gulf by Trump carries significant implications beyond mere nomenclature. It risks further inflaming tensions between the U.S. and Iran, potentially undermining ongoing nuclear negotiations and destabilizing the already volatile Middle East region.
The move could be interpreted as a blatant display of support for Arab allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, at the expense of alienating Iran. This could strengthen hardliners in Iran and make it more difficult to reach a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue.
Moreover, the renaming could be seen as an attempt to erase Iranian history and cultural heritage, further fueling anti-American sentiment in Iran and the broader Muslim world.
Critics argue that such a decision is not only insensitive but also strategically unwise, potentially jeopardizing U.S. interests in the region.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex interplay of politics, history, and identity in the Middle East. The simple act of naming a geographical feature can carry immense symbolic weight, reflecting deeper geopolitical rivalries and historical grievances.
Whether Trump ultimately proceeds with the renaming remains to be seen, but the controversy underscores the potential for even seemingly minor actions to have far-reaching consequences in international relations. The situation demands careful consideration and a nuanced understanding of the region’s history and cultural sensitivities. The stakes are high, and the potential for miscalculation is significant. Any decision regarding the name of the Persian Gulf should be made with a clear understanding of the potential impact on regional stability and U.S. foreign policy objectives.
