Summary
The Trump administration announced plans to officially refer to the body of water traditionally known as the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” during President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit in 2025. This decision marked a significant shift in U.S. policy, as the term “Persian Gulf” has been the internationally recognized name since at least the 16th century, rooted in the region’s historical and cultural legacy linked to the Persian Empire. The renaming was intended as a diplomatic gesture to strengthen ties with Arab Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which prefer the term “Arabian Gulf.” However, the move sparked immediate controversy and backlash, particularly from Iran, which views the traditional name as a symbol of its national heritage and territorial identity.
The naming dispute over the gulf reflects broader geopolitical and cultural tensions in the Middle East, with Arab states advocating for “Arabian Gulf” as an expression of Arab nationalism and regional identity, while Iran emphasizes the historical precedence and international recognition of “Persian Gulf.” The U.S. military had previously used the term “Arabian Gulf” in some contexts, notably within the Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain, but official U.S. government publications and international bodies largely maintained “Persian Gulf” as the standard nomenclature. The Trump administration’s announcement intensified these long-standing regional disagreements and highlighted the symbolic importance of geographic names in diplomatic relations.
Iranian officials condemned the U.S. decision as politically motivated and hostile, warning that it could embolden hardliners opposed to diplomatic engagement with the United States, particularly amid sensitive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. The controversy also drew international attention to the complex interplay between historical narratives, national pride, and modern geopolitics, illustrating how seemingly nominal issues can have far-reaching diplomatic consequences. Additionally, the renaming initiative was linked to broader controversies under the Trump administration regarding government attempts to control language and media coverage, as seen in a related dispute over the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.
The dispute over the gulf’s name remains unresolved and emblematic of the region’s intricate political landscape. While the Trump administration’s policy shift represented a strategic alignment with Arab partners, it underscored the sensitivity of historical and cultural claims in Middle Eastern diplomacy. International reactions have varied, with many governments and organizations continuing to recognize “Persian Gulf” while acknowledging the competing terminology used by some Arab states. The naming conflict continues to influence diplomatic discourse, media representation, and regional relations in the Middle East.
Background
The body of water situated between Iran’s southern coast and the Arabian Peninsula has been historically known as the Persian Gulf since at least the 16th century, with the term tracing back to Roman times and linked to the legacy of the Persian Empire. The Gulf has served as a critical maritime route and trade network since ancient times, with the world’s oldest evidence of seagoing vessels found along its shores dating to the mid-sixth millennium BC. Geographically, the Gulf is characterized by a mountainous Iranian coastline with cliffs and narrow coastal plains, contrasted by the generally flatter Arabian shore except for areas such as the Qatar Peninsula and the Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite its long-standing historical name, the designation of the Persian Gulf has been a contentious issue in modern times, especially among Arab states bordering the Gulf, which often prefer the term “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia”. This naming dispute reflects broader geopolitical and cultural tensions in the region. Iran, the successor state to the ancient Persian Empire, views attempts to rename the Gulf as politically motivated acts of hostility that undermine its historical identity and sovereignty. Iranian officials have strongly condemned efforts to alter the name, emphasizing that the Persian Gulf designation is deeply rooted in history and culture.
The naming dispute gained renewed international attention during the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly directed the U.S. government to use the term “Arabian Gulf” in official statements and communications, departing from previous U.S. usage that had recognized the Persian Gulf name. This move was part of a broader diplomatic gesture aimed at improving relations with Arab states but sparked sharp criticism and outrage in Iran, where leaders accused the U.S. administration of disregarding historical facts and geography. The controversy highlighted the sensitivity of the issue, which continues to reflect the complex interplay of history, identity, and politics in the Middle East.
Announcement Details
In May 2025, President Donald Trump planned to announce during his upcoming Middle East trip that the United States would officially refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” or the “Gulf of Arabia”. This decision was intended to be revealed while visiting Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, as part of efforts to strengthen U.S. relations and secure financial investments from these nations. Trump indicated that he would receive a briefing on the matter before making a final decision and acknowledged that he would face inquiries about the name change during his trip.
The shift in terminology reflects longstanding disputes over the name of the body of water located off the southern coast of Iran. While the “Persian Gulf” has been the widely recognized name since the 16th century, many Arab states prefer “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia,” leading to regional disagreements over naming conventions. The U.S. military had previously used the term “Arabian Gulf” in some of its communications and imagery, highlighting a precedent for the proposed change within official U.S. usage.
The announcement sparked significant controversy, particularly in Iran, where government officials and citizens viewed the change as an affront to the nation’s cultural heritage. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the proposal as politically motivated, emphasizing that the names of Middle Eastern waterways should reflect a shared respect for humanity’s collective heritage rather than territorial claims. Iranian leaders warned that such actions could embolden hardliners opposed to diplomatic engagement with the United States, potentially undermining ongoing efforts to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear program.
The decision to alter the U.S. government’s reference to the gulf aligns with a pattern during the Trump administration of renaming geographic entities, as seen earlier in the attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” which also drew legal challenges over press freedom and government retaliation. Despite the U.S. government’s ability to change its official terminology, it cannot control international usage, and the name “Persian Gulf” remains dominant in global contexts.
International Reactions
The announcement by the Trump administration that the United States would refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf during the president’s Middle East visit sparked significant international reactions and controversy. The move was seen by some as a diplomatic gesture aimed at strengthening ties with Arab states in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which all border the body of water and prefer the term “Arabian Gulf” .
In Iran, the decision was met with outrage and condemnation. Iranian officials viewed the renaming as a politically motivated attempt to undermine Iran’s historical and cultural claims to the Gulf. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the names of Middle Eastern waterways should reflect a shared respect for humanity’s collective heritage rather than implying ownership by any one nation. He described efforts to alter the name as hostile acts firmly condemned by the Iranian government . The reaction in Iran also revived fears that hardline factions opposed to negotiations with the United States could use the renaming as evidence that Washington could not be trusted, complicating diplomatic efforts related to the nuclear program .
The controversy over the Gulf’s name has a long history, with international organizations and governments divided on the issue. While the United States military and some branches have used “Arabian Gulf” since around 1991 to align with local Arab conventions, official U.S. publications and geographic naming authorities generally retain “Persian Gulf” as the conventional name . The National Geographic Society, after initially adding “Arabian Gulf” in parentheses, reversed its decision in 2004 following protests from Iran and now notes both names, acknowledging the historical predominance of “Persian Gulf” but recognizing that some Arab countries use “Arabian Gulf” . Similarly, Google Maps has varied its labeling over time, sometimes listing both names or favoring “Persian Gulf,” while Apple Maps currently uses “Persian Gulf” exclusively .
The naming dispute remains deeply contentious, tied to broader regional political tensions and historical narratives. Arab states advocating for “Arabian Gulf” often cite Arab nationalism and historical treaties, while Iran emphasizes the name’s use dating back to the 16th century and beyond. The issue continues to affect diplomatic relations and media coverage, as evidenced by the Trump administration’s directive and the ensuing public and governmental responses across the region .
Media Coverage and Public Opinion
The announcement by the Trump administration to refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” during a Middle East visit sparked significant media attention and public reaction. The decision followed earlier controversies during Trump’s presidency, including his order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” which led to a legal battle with the Associated Press. The AP sued the administration after its journalists were barred from covering most White House events for refusing to comply with the renaming directive. U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden ruled that the First Amendment protects the press from government retaliation based on word choice, reinstating the AP’s access.
In the Middle East, the renaming move intensified longstanding regional disputes over the waterway’s name. Iran condemned the shift, with its current foreign minister emphasizing that the names of Middle Eastern waterways “do not imply ownership by any particular nation, but rather reflect a shared respect for the collective heritage of humanity.” Iranian officials described politically motivated attempts to alter the historically established name as hostile acts against Iran and its people. The issue had previously caused tensions during Trump’s first term, when he used the term “Arabian Gulf,” prompting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to retort that Trump should “study geography.” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also criticized the move, suggesting Trump’s “geography is for sale to the highest bidder”.
The naming dispute has deep historical and cultural roots, with Iran viewing the term “Persian Gulf” as a symbol of national pride tied to its ancient empire. The National Iranian American Council echoed this sentiment, affirming, “It’s the Persian Gulf—today, tomorrow, and forever”. The controversy is further complicated by the preferences of some Arab states, particularly members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which favor the term “Arabian Gulf.” This preference reflects broader geopolitical and nationalist sentiments in the region. The High Council of Cultural Revolution in Iran cited campaigns by certain Arab states beginning in 2009 as drivers behind their efforts to protect the traditional name. Historical usage by Arab historians, such as Ibn Khaldoun and Ibn al Athir, supports the term “Persian Gulf,” according to Saudi historian Abdel Khaleq al-Janabi.
The media coverage highlighted that the naming dispute remains a highly contentious issue, with various parties using different terms—ranging from “The Gulf” to “Arabo-Persian Gulf” and proposals like “Islamic Gulf” or “Muslim Gulf” emerging after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. These competing names are reflected not only in internal literature of respective countries but also in diplomatic dealings and international organizations. The controversy evokes strong emotional and nationalistic responses, underscoring the sensitive nature of geographic nomenclature as a proxy for regional identity and political influence.
Diplomatic and Geopolitical Implications
The decision by the Trump administration to refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” sparked significant diplomatic controversy and geopolitical repercussions. The move was seen by many as a political gesture aimed at strengthening ties with Arab states in the region, as it aligned with terminology preferred by several Gulf Arab countries. The administration viewed the renaming as a diplomatic “gift” to Arab leaders, potentially incentivizing concessions in their relations with Israel.
Iran vehemently opposed the change, viewing it as a hostile and historically unfounded act. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, condemned the renaming as politically motivated and indicative of antagonism toward Iran and its heritage. Araghchi emphasized that geographical names of Middle Eastern waterways do not imply ownership by any particular nation but instead reflect a shared human heritage. Iran reaffirmed its historical connection to the name “Persian Gulf,” which has been in use since at least the 16th century and is deeply rooted in the region’s history and culture. Iranian-American groups across the political spectrum also united in opposing the renaming, underscoring the issue’s sensitivity within the Iranian diaspora.
The United States military had already been using “Arabian Gulf” in certain contexts, particularly within the U.S. Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain, since the early 1990s to accommodate local preferences. However, official U.S. government publications and websites generally continued to use “Persian Gulf,” reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of naming conventions employed by different branches of the U.S. government. The United States Board on Geographical Names (BGN) and international bodies such as the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) officially recognize “Persian Gulf,” with variants including “Arabian Gulf” listed as alternatives but not the standard.
The renaming intensified existing regional tensions, complicating diplomatic efforts, especially those aimed at resolving issues like Iran’s nuclear program. European diplomats involved in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran urged Iranian leaders not to overreact to the terminology change, warning that hardline factions opposed to dialogue with the U.S. might exploit the controversy to undermine trust in American intentions. The dispute over the gulf’s name remains emblematic of broader geopolitical rivalries and national identities in the Middle East, with Arab states promoting the “Arabian Gulf” nomenclature partly as a reflection of rising Arab nationalism since the late 20th century, while Iran maintains the historical legacy of the “Persian Gulf”.
Historical and Cultural Context of the Naming Dispute
The naming dispute over the body of water historically known as the Persian Gulf has deep historical and cultural roots, reflecting broader regional and political tensions. Historically, the gulf has been referred to as the “Persian Gulf” since ancient times, with references dating back to the Achaemenid Persian Empire (550–330 BC). During this period, the gulf was widely known in texts as the “Persian (Pars) Sea,” and inscriptions such as those of Darius the Great from the fifth century BC explicitly link the region to Persia. Furthermore, the Persian Gulf region has been a cradle of some of the world’s oldest civilizations, including the Sumerians, with archaeological evidence of seafaring dating back to the mid-sixth millennium BC along the Gulf’s shores.
Throughout much of history, the name “Persian Gulf” has been internationally recognized and used by geographers and historians alike. Alexander the Great and other historical sources affirmed this nomenclature, while claims that the Romans named it the “Arabian Gulf” have been considered without foundation. The British Empire’s presence in the region from the 18th century until 1971, including political control over several Gulf states, also reinforced the usage of the name “Persian Gulf” in official documents and international affairs.
The dispute over the name emerged prominently with the rise of Arab nationalism and pan-Arabism in the mid-20th century. Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the growing influence of Arab nationalist movements, several Arab states bordering the gulf began promoting the term “Arabian Gulf” or simply “The Gulf” to assert their political and cultural identity. Some Islamic groups also proposed terms like “Islamic Gulf” or “Muslim Gulf” during this period, though the origins of these terms remain unclear and are sometimes attributed to early figures in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iranian officials have consistently defended the traditional name, emphasizing its deep historical roots and warning that politically motivated attempts to alter the name reflect hostile intent toward Iran and its people. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi underscored that geographical names do not imply ownership by any one nation but represent a shared human heritage, asserting Iran’s acceptance of other regional names such as the Sea of Oman or the Arabian Sea while opposing changes to the Persian Gulf designation.
The naming dispute remains a sensitive issue, involving national pride, historical interpretation, and geopolitical rivalry, with each side maintaining firm positions supported by historical claims and contemporary political agendas. This contestation continues to influence diplomatic relations and international discourse surrounding the region.
Legacy and Continuing Debate
The Trump administration’s decision to refer
The content is provided by Sierra Knightley, Direct Bulletins
