Thu May 08 01:53:18 UTC 2025: **Trump to Decide on “Persian Gulf” Name During Middle East Trip**
WASHINGTON – President Trump announced he will decide how the US government refers to the body of water known as the Persian Gulf during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (May 13-16). The decision follows reports that the President plans to adopt the term “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia,” a move that has already drawn strong condemnation from Iran.
Trump acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the waterway’s name, stating he doesn’t “want to hurt anybody’s feelings.” He indicated he will receive briefings on the matter before making a final announcement.
The name of the body of water is a long-standing point of contention between Iran, which insists on the historical designation “Persian Gulf,” and Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who prefer “Arabian Gulf.” Iran has previously protested the use of alternative names, summoning the Iraqi ambassador in 2023 over the “Arabian Gulf Cup” and threatening legal action against Google in 2012.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a strong rebuke of any potential name change, calling it “indicative of hostile intent” and warning of widespread Iranian anger. He suggested the reports might be a disinformation campaign.
This announcement comes after Trump’s earlier executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” in 2017. The President’s upcoming decision on the Persian/Arabian Gulf is expected to further inflame already tense relations in the region.
First Piper 