Iran Condemns Trump’s Reported Renaming of Persian Gulf as Arabian Gulf, Citing History and National Unity

Reports have emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump may refer to the body of water traditionally known as the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf, sparking widespread condemnation and concern among Iranians and Iranian officials. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the name Persian Gulf is deeply rooted in history and is part of Iran's national identity, noting that Iran has never objected to other regional sea names such as the Sea of Oman or the Arabian Sea. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and other Iranian figures expressed strong opposition to any attempts to rename the Persian Gulf, describing such efforts as provocative and unacceptable.

Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri warned that altering the historical name would harm regional and global peace. The issue has united Iranians across political divides, with many emphasizing that the Persian Gulf is a symbol of Iranian territorial integrity and national pride. Iranian media and social media platforms have actively reinforced the historical and cultural significance of the Persian Gulf name, citing ancient maps and historical references dating back over 2,000 years. The controversy has also drawn attention to prior proposals within Iran for alternative names, but the prevailing sentiment remains firmly in favor of preserving the traditional name. The Iranian government has pledged to demonstrate to the international community, including the White House, its rejection of any name changes. The matter remains a sensitive and unifying issue for Iranians amid broader geopolitical tensions.