In May 2025, President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to announce during his trip to Saudi Arabia that the United States will officially refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia. This potential decision has already ignited controversy, particularly given the ongoing sensitive negotiations regarding Iranian nuclear policy.
The move aligns with the preferences of some Arab nations, who have long advocated for the use of 'Arabian Gulf'. However, Iran maintains its historical ties to the name 'Persian Gulf,' which has been widely used since the 16th century and is recognized by international organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization.
Iranian officials have condemned the potential name change as politically motivated and indicative of hostile intent. They argue that altering the historically established name disregards the collective heritage of humanity and will provoke strong reactions from Iranians worldwide. While the U.S. military has sometimes used 'Arabian Gulf,' a formal adoption by the White House would mark a significant shift.
International Implications
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) uses the name "Gulf of Iran (Persian Gulf)". The United Nations and most world maps also recognize the term 'Persian Gulf'. While Trump can change the name for official U.S. purposes, it won't dictate global usage.
The debate over the gulf's name reflects deeper regional tensions and historical claims. The move could further strain relations between the U.S. and Iran, especially during ongoing nuclear negotiations.