ormer U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he may officially rename the Persian Gulf during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This Trump Persian Gulf name change proposal could alter long-standing diplomatic norms and spark further tensions in the region.
History of the Persian Gulf Name
The term “Persian Gulf“ has been historically used for over 2,000 years. Global institutions such as the United Nations and many international atlases continue to recognize it as the official name. The region holds deep historical and cultural significance for Iran, which has defended the use of the name for decades.
Regional Disputes and Political Sensitivities
Several Arab states—including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE—have long pushed to call the waterway the “Arabian Gulf” instead. The difference in terminology symbolizes larger geopolitical rivalries between Iran and its Gulf Arab neighbors.
Trump’s suggestion to potentially rename the water body could lend formal U.S. support to one side of a highly sensitive and symbolic dispute.
Iran’s Reaction to the Proposed Name Change
Iran has strongly condemned the idea. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called the proposal “an insult to Iran’s history and identity.” He warned that any move to change the name would escalate diplomatic friction and provoke backlash among the Iranian public and diaspora.
Previous Naming Controversies
This is not Trump’s first renaming controversy. In early 2025, he ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be referred to as the “Gulf of America,” stirring criticism from environmental and geographic experts.
Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy
Should Trump proceed with the Trump Persian Gulf name change, it may affect U.S. relations not only with Iran but also with global institutions that uphold the historical name. The U.S. military has occasionally used “Arabian Gulf” in internal communications, but this would mark a significant policy shift.
Conclusion
The debate over what to call the Persian Gulf is not merely about geography—it’s about history, identity, and power. Trump’s upcoming visit could redefine how the U.S. engages with sensitive regional issues in the Middle East.