Trump to Rename Persian Gulf as Arabian Gulf Amid Opposition from Iran and UN

President Donald Trump is set to announce during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates that the United States will officially refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia, according to two U.S. officials. This move aligns with long-standing efforts by Arab nations to change the geographic name of the body of water off Iran's southern coast. The announcement has sparked widespread condemnation from Iran, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing the potential name change as 'indicative of hostile intent' toward Iran and its people. He emphasized that the name Persian Gulf is centuries old and recognized by international bodies, warning that any politically motivated alteration would provoke Iran's wrath. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, also criticized the move, calling the Persian Gulf a historical reality and an affront to Iran's civilization if changed. Iranian officials and citizens across political spectrums have voiced strong opposition, asserting the historical and cultural significance of the name Persian Gulf. The United Nations has stated it will continue to use the name Persian Gulf, despite Trump's intentions. The U.S. military has previously used the term Arabian Gulf, and Trump has the authority to change the name for official U.S. purposes, though he cannot dictate global usage. On Google Maps in the U.S., the body of water appears as Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf), while Apple Maps only uses the name Persian Gulf. Trump previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a decision that did not gain international recognition.