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3w ago

Trump Signals Decision on Renaming Persian Gulf During Middle East Trip

The U.S. president plans to determine whether to adopt 'Arabian Gulf' terminology, a move strongly opposed by Iran and rooted in regional disputes.

A fisherman steers his boat past a flock of gulls on the Persian Gulf coast in Bushehr, Iran, January 17, 2025.
A sign showing the gulf is seen at the entrance to the office of US House Speaker Mike Johnson at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on May 7.
President Donald Trump speaks before Steve Witkoff is sworn as special envoy during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump, from right, speaks to reporters accompanied by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Burgum's wife Kathryn Burgum, aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 9 Gulf of America Day, as he travels from West Palm Beach, Fla. to New Orleans, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Overview

  • President Trump is considering renaming the Persian Gulf to 'Arabian Gulf' or 'Gulf of Arabia' for U.S. government usage during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
  • The Persian Gulf has been historically recognized by that name since the 16th century, but Arab nations have long advocated for the alternative name to reflect their regional identity.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the potential move as politically motivated and warned it would provoke widespread anger among Iranians globally.
  • The proposed renaming would only apply to U.S. federal references and not impact international naming conventions governed by the International Hydrographic Organization.
  • The decision follows Trump's broader pattern of symbolic geographic renaming, including the recent rebranding of the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America.'