Iran vows ‘wrath’ if Trump renames Persian Gulf Arabian Gulf: ‘Hostile intent’

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering renaming the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf ahead of his upcoming trip to the Middle East. This expected announcement has sparked controversy and backlash, with Iran’s foreign minister condemning the potential change as politically motivated and hostile towards Iran and its people.

The reported name change has deep historical significance, with the Persian Gulf being rooted in human history for centuries. Iran has expressed its strong objection to altering the name, emphasizing that it is a shared heritage of humanity and not indicative of ownership by any particular nation. The use of other names such as the Sea of Oman, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, or Red Sea has not been contested by Iran, highlighting the specific importance of the term “Persian Gulf”.

The foreign minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has expressed concern over the potential repercussions of renaming the Gulf, stating that it would only serve to anger Iranians worldwide and provoke a strong reaction from all walks of life and political persuasions. He emphasized that the name “Persian Gulf” is recognized by all cartographers and international bodies and has been used by leaders in the region until the 1960s.

President Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in the coming days, all of which border the body of water in question. The change in name could impact diplomatic relations in the region, especially as U.S. and Iranian officials are set to meet for nuclear talks in Oman.

The dispute over the naming of the Persian Gulf is not new, with Arab nations advocating for the use of the term “Arabian Gulf” due to their historical ties to the region. However, Iran has stood firm in its claim to the Persian Gulf under the Persian Empire.

The controversy over the naming of the Gulf extends to online mapping services, with Google labeling the body of water as the “Persian Gulf” followed by “Arabian Gulf” in parentheses. The U.S. military has also used the term Arabian Gulf in its communications, further fueling the debate.

As President Trump prepares for his trip to the Middle East and the upcoming nuclear talks with Iran, the potential renaming of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf remains a contentious issue. The decision could have far-reaching implications for diplomatic relations and regional dynamics, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.