Persian Gulf will now be called ‘Arabian Gulf’ in US; Trump to announce during Saudi visit

The Persian Gulf has historically been known by that name since the 16th century, though many Middle Eastern countries refer to it as the “Arabian Gulf.” Iran, formerly Persia, has pushed back against changes to the name, even threatening to sue Google in 2012 over its decision not to label the water body at all. While the US military has already used “Arabian Gulf” in official communications, this would mark the first formal political shift in terminology.

The name ‘Persian Gulf’ has been used widely since the 1500s. However, some Middle Eastern countries use ‘Arabian Gulf’ more often in their maps and documents. Iran which used to be called Persia once threatened to sue Google in 2012 for not showing the name at all on its online maps.

Iran has strongly opposed any move to change the name. In 2017, during Trump’s first term, he used the term “Arabian Gulf,” which led to a public response from then-President Hassan Rouhani, who said Trump “needed to study geography,” according to AP.

At that time, Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote online, “Everyone knew Trump’s friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is, too.”

This week, Iran’s current foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also responded. In a post on social media, he said: “Politically motivated attempts to alter the historically established name of the Persian Gulf are indicative of hostile intent toward Iran and its people, and are firmly condemned.”

He added: “Any short-sighted step in this connection will have no validity or legal or geographical effect. It will only bring the wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life.”

Trump can change the name used by the US government, but he cannot decide how the rest of the world names it, AP said. The International Hydrographic Organisation, which includes the US, helps standardise names for seas and oceans. But in some cases, countries use different names in their own maps and documents.

Trump is also expected to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates during his trip. These countries also border the Gulf. The trip comes as Trump tries to strengthen US ties with Gulf nations and seek support on issues like the war in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Earlier this year, Trump said the US would start calling the Gulf of Mexico the ‘Gulf of America.’ After the Associated Press refused to follow that order in its reporting, the Trump administration stopped allowing AP journalists to attend most events.

AP later took the matter to court. A US judge, Trevor McFadden, who was appointed by Trump, ruled in AP’s favour. He said the government cannot punish a news organisation for choosing its own words and ordered that AP’s press access be restored.