Trump to Rename Persian Gulf During Upcoming Saudi Arabia Visit
Washington — President Donald Trump is set to declare a significant change in nomenclature regarding the Persian Gulf during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia next week. According to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the United States will now refer to the body of water as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia.
Background on Nomenclature Controversy
The rebranding of this geographical feature has long been a point of contention. Arab nations have advocated for the name change, while Iran has historically maintained its ties to the Persian Gulf nomenclature, which has been in use since the 16th century. Notably, Iran’s government even threatened legal action against Google in 2012 over its labeling decisions regarding the body of water.
Currently, on U.S. Google Maps, the designation appears as “Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf),” whereas Apple Maps exclusively uses “Persian Gulf.” Moreover, the U.S. military has consistently referred to the area as the Arabian Gulf in its communications and imagery.
Cultural and Political Implications
The name of the Gulf brings significant emotional weight for many Iranians, who see it as a matter of national pride tied to their historical identity as the Persian Empire. Tensions surrounding the use of the name surfaced in 2017 during Trump’s first term when he referred to the waterway as the Arabian Gulf, leading Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to quip that the U.S. leader needed further geographical education. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif remarked, “Everyone knew Trump’s friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is, too.”
Official Changes and Broader Impact
While Trump can enforce this name change for official U.S. purposes, the broader international community is not bound to adopt this terminology. The International Hydrographic Organization, of which the U.S. is a member, aims for uniformity in naming the world’s seas and oceans but acknowledges that different countries may utilize varying names in their documentation.
In parallel with his Saudi visit, Trump will also travel to Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, seeking to strengthen ties with these Gulf nations while engaging on issues such as regional conflicts and financial investments.
Future Developments
This name change comes shortly after Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The Associated Press has faced challenges in its reporting, having recently sued the Trump administration for restricting access to events that were deemed sensitive because of the agency’s refusal to conform to the president’s naming preferences. A federal court has since reaffirmed the press’s rights under the First Amendment.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the intersection of geopolitics, cultural identity, and the power of nomenclature in international relations.
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