In a move that has ignited fierce debate across the Middle East and beyond, President Donald Trump has proposed renaming the Persian Gulf to the “Arabian Gulf” during an upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

The suggestion, reported by The New York Times on May 11, 2025, has united Iranians in opposition, highlighting the deep historical and cultural significance of the name “Persian Gulf” to Iran’s national identity. This article explores the context, implications, and reactions to Trump’s provocative proposal.

The Persian Gulf, a vital waterway bordered by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, has been known by its current name since at least 550 B.C. during the reign of Cyrus the Great, whose Persian Empire stretched from India to Western Europe.

The name reflects the historical dominance of ancient Persia—modern-day Iran—whose southern coast runs along the entire length of the gulf.

For Iranians, the term “Persian Gulf” is not merely geographical but a symbol of their cultural and historical heritage, fiercely defended by governments from the pre-revolutionary era of the Shah to the present Islamic Republic.

In contrast, many Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have long advocated for the term “Arabian Gulf” to reflect their own regional identity and influence.

The U.S. military has often used “Arabian Gulf” in communications to align with Arab allies, though the U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially mandates “Persian Gulf” for federal use.

This naming dispute has been a point of contention for decades, with Iran even threatening to sue Google in 2012 for omitting the name entirely from its maps.

On May 7, 2025, The Associated Press reported that Trump plans to announce the U.S. will officially refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia” during his Middle East tour.

The decision is framed as a diplomatic gesture to strengthen ties with Arab allies, who have lobbied for the name change for years. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “I’ll have to make a decision.

I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. I don’t know if feelings are going to be hurt,” suggesting he is weighing the geopolitical implications.

This is not the first time Trump has ventured into renaming bodies of water.

Earlier in 2025, he issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” a move that drew ridicule from Mexico and sparked a legal battle with The Associated Press, which refused to adopt the new name.

A federal judge ruled that the First Amendment protected the AP’s right to use “Gulf of Mexico,” highlighting the limits of Trump’s naming authority.

Trump’s proposal has provoked a rare moment of unity among Iranians across political and ideological lines.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, condemned the move as “indicative of hostile intent toward Iran and its people,” warning on X that it would “bring the wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life.”

He emphasized the historical legitimacy of the name, noting its recognition by international bodies and cartographers for centuries.

Iranian-American organizations, including the National Union for Democracy in Iran and the National Iranian American Council, echoed this sentiment, declaring the name “Persian Gulf” as non-negotiable.

Even supporters of Iran’s former crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, have reposted his 2017 letter urging Trump to respect the historical name. The issue transcends politics, uniting Iranians in defense of their heritage.

While Arab nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have not publicly commented on Trump’s proposal, their long-standing preference for “Arabian Gulf” suggests they may welcome the gesture.

The renaming aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to bolster alliances with Gulf states amid efforts to secure Saudi investment in the U.S., address the Israel-Hamas conflict, and negotiate Iran’s nuclear program.

However, the move risks escalating tensions with Iran at a delicate moment, as nuclear talks mediated by Oman are ongoing.

Posts on X reflect the polarized sentiment, with some users mocking Trump’s proposal as an overreach of American hegemony, while others see it as a strategic alignment with Arab partners.

One user quipped, “Trump can rename Persian Gulf only in his idiot head,” underscoring the view that the name change lacks international legitimacy.