Trump plans to rename Persian Gulf amid regional tensions

In May 2025, President Donald Trump is expected to formally announce that the United States will begin referring to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia during his visit to Saudi Arabia. This trip is significant as it underscores a shift in U.S. diplomatic language, reflecting the longstanding desires of Arab nations to alter the name of this strategically important body of water that lies off the southern coast of Iran. The change is poised to provoke discontent from Iran, which has traditionally maintained that the gulf should remain known as the Persian Gulf, a name that has been in use since at least the 16th century. The announcement is expected to take place during Trump's trip, which will also include stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – both countr ies with coastlines along the Persian Gulf. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Gulf nations and encourage their economic investment in the United States. The Trump administration's approach aligns with efforts to garner support from these countries on various regional issues, including challenges posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions and resolving ongoing conflicts in the region. The naming dispute has historical roots, with many Arab countries advocating for the name change as a reflection of their national identities and interests, while Iran views any shift as a direct affront to its historical legacy. Tensions over the naming of the gulf have been evident in diplomatic exchanges, including threats from Iranian officials against those who reference the Arabian Gulf in international contexts. Furthermore, the U.S. military has previously used the term Arabian Gulf in its communications, showcasing the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the naming conventions in use. The implications of Trump's announcement are significant beyond mere semantics; they tie into larger geopolitical narratives and the complex relationships between the U.S., Arab nations, and Iran. The politicization of geographic names has entered public discourse, as evidenced by previous controversies involving U.S. mapping services. President Trump's administration's previous actions to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America have also faced scrutiny and backlash. As the situation develops, the international community and regional stakeholders will closely monitor the situation, as the decision may impact diplomatic relations and public sentiment across the region.