President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to propose a name change for the Persian Gulf, potentially calling it the “Gulf of Arabia” or the “Arabian Gulf,” according to administration officials who spoke to CNN. This development is linked to his upcoming diplomatic trip to the Middle East, where he will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—countries that have historically supported the alternative name. While discussions on the matter are still ongoing, it remains unclear when or if Trump will formally announce the renaming.
Trump Weighs Gulf Renaming Amid Diplomatic Sensitivities and Iranian Historical Opposition Threats
In a recent Oval Office exchange, President Trump acknowledged he may be asked to decide on the name change during his trip. He indicated a desire to avoid offending any party but noted that he will be briefed before making a final decision. His comments revealed both an awareness of the controversy and a willingness to entertain the proposal put forth by Arab allies.
Trump’s Push to Rename Persian Gulf Stirs Diplomatic Backlash and Threatens Historic NormsThe potential renaming has sparked strong opposition from Iran, which considers the term “Persian Gulf” a matter of national identity and historical accuracy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any attempt to change the name would provoke outrage from Iranians globally, across all political lines. He emphasized that “Persian Gulf” has been used for centuries and is recognized by international organizations and historical records.
Symbolic Renaming Sparks Political Debate, Media Pushback, and Legal Tensions Over Geography
Trump’s renaming considerations reflect a broader pattern of politically motivated geographic rebranding. Earlier in the year, he issued an executive action to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a move that drew both support and resistance domestically. House Republicans have attempted to codify the change, but internal disagreements have hindered progress, highlighting the contentious nature of such symbolic actions.
The Associated Press (AP), a major global news organization, has challenged the Gulf of America renaming, insisting it will continue using “Gulf of Mexico” in its coverage. This has resulted in legal disputes with the White House. The AP’s stance underscores the broader implications of renaming internationally recognized geographic terms, as such moves can strain diplomatic relations and challenge the standards upheld by global institutions and the media.