Trump plans to announce US will call Persian Gulf Arabian Gulf
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Washington: President Donald Trump is set to announce that the United States will officially refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, according to two US officials who spoke with The Associated Press on May 7. This change comes after Arab nations have long advocated for using the name "Arabian Gulf," while Iran has consistently upheld the historical use of "Persian Gulf," citing its deep-rooted cultural and geographical significance.
The name change marks a shift in US policy, with the government’s military branches having already adopted the term "Arabian Gulf" in official statements and documents for years. Iran has historically opposed this name, with officials calling it an affront to the nation's legacy as the Persian Empire. In 2017, during Trump's first term, a diplomatic spat arose when he referred to the waterway as the Arabian Gulf. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani criticized the US president's geography knowledge, while Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif mocked the move on social media.
The Persian Gulf, known by this name since the 16th century, is referenced as both "Persian Gulf" and "Arabian Gulf" across the Middle East. However, the new designation will only apply to US government usage, as Trump cannot dictate global naming conventions. The International Hydrographic Organization, a body to which the US belongs, is responsible for standardizing the names of bodies of water worldwide, though countries often use varying names for the same geographical features in their own records.
Trump's announcement is part of a broader diplomatic initiative, as he prepares to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which border the Gulf. This trip, which was initially planned as his first overseas visit since assuming office, aims to strengthen ties with Gulf nations, securing financial investments and support for regional issues, including the resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict and countering Iran's nuclear ambitions.
This policy shift follows several controversies, including Trump’s push to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Earlier this year, the Associated Press sued the Trump administration after being barred from covering key events due to the organization’s refusal to follow his directive. The lawsuit was successful, with a US District Judge ruling that the First Amendment protects journalists’ rights to choose their language.
The name change announcement also highlights the growing complexities of US foreign policy in the Middle East, where symbolic moves like this play a significant role in international relations.
With PTI inputs
