U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited a long-standing geopolitical controversy by suggesting he may rename the “Persian Gulf” during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he was aware of the sensitivity surrounding the name and would be briefed on it before making a decision. “I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings,” he remarked. “I’ll have to make a decision.”
U.S. media reports suggest Trump may officially adopt the term “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia” during his May 13–16 visit — a move that would align Washington with Arab states but risk a diplomatic firestorm with Iran.
The waterway, separating Iran from several Arab nations, has been called the “Persian Gulf” for centuries, backed by historical maps and international conventions. However, Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, prefer the term “Arabian Gulf,” viewing the Persian label as a symbol of Iranian dominance.
Iran swiftly condemned the idea. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the potential rebranding “an affront to all Iranians” and warned it would provoke widespread backlash. “Such biased actions are indicative of hostile intent,” he wrote on X.
The debate over the Gulf’s name has surfaced repeatedly. In 2012, Iran threatened to sue Google for omitting the label from its maps, and in 2023, Tehran protested Iraq’s use of “Arabian Gulf Cup” for a regional football tournament.
Trump’s decision could further strain already tense U.S.-Iran relations.
