Trump: Persian Gulf is Now Arabian Gulf

For US the Persian Gulf is now Arabian Gulf—angering Iran and pleasing Arab states. This name change could reshape alliances and stir old wounds.

1. Why is the U.S. renaming the Persian Gulf now?

In a stunning diplomatic move, the U.S. officially adopted the term “Arabian Gulf” during Trump’s Middle East visit in 2017. This timing wasn’t random—it mirrored efforts to win favor with Arab allies like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain. With arms deals worth $110 billion on the table, names became more than just words—they became leverage.

2. What is the Persian Gulf, geographically speaking?

Covering about 93,000 square miles, the Persian Gulf is a shallow sea cradled between Iran to the north and Arab states to the south. It’s fed by three major rivers—Tigris, Euphrates, and Karun. The Strait of Hormuz links it to the Arabian Sea. This narrow waterway handles nearly 21% of global petroleum liquids, making it geopolitically explosive.

3. Why is the name change so emotionally charged?

The term “Persian Gulf” has appeared on maps since the 1700s and carries deep emotional roots for Iranians—it’s tied to their history and identity. A 2004 UN report re-emphasized the term’s validity. Yet, Arab states reject it as colonial hangover. Iran sees the U.S. move as erasure, sparking protests, official complaints, and even threats to ban airlines using the term “Arabian Gulf.”

4. How are Arab nations responding to this renaming?

Arab Gulf nations—especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar—welcomed the shift, calling it long overdue. For them, “Arabian Gulf” reclaims ownership over regional narrative. In Arab schoolbooks and media, this term has already replaced “Persian Gulf” since the 1970s. Around 8 Arab League members have officially adopted it in state documents and maps. It’s as much politics as it is pride.

Quick Fact Box

• New Term Used by U.S.: Arabian Gulf
• Original Name: Persian Gulf (since 18th century)
• Area Covered: ~93,000 sq. miles
• Oil Transit Dependency: ~21% of world’s supply
• First U.S. Mention of Change: 2017, during Trump’s Middle East visit
• Iran’s Reaction: Official protest, media backlash, diplomatic notes

5. How does this impact U.S.–Iran relations?

Iran called the move a “strategic insult.” It not only filed formal complaints with the UN but also summoned the Swiss envoy (representing U.S. interests in Iran). Tensions already simmering over the nuclear deal and regional proxy wars have intensified. A Gallup poll from 2017 showed 63% of Iranians saw U.S. foreign policy as hostile—this move only deepens that resentment.

6. Is the name just a name, or a symbol of power?

Names carry power. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) still officially uses “Persian Gulf,” but usage varies—NATO and U.S. military often prefer “Arabian Gulf.” It’s a political compass: if you say “Arabian Gulf,” you’re likely aligned with Gulf Arab states. If “Persian Gulf,” perhaps you’re leaning toward Iran or neutrality. Geography, here, is not just about maps—it’s about allegiance.

7. What are experts and locals saying about the controversy?

“This isn’t about geography—it’s about erasure,” says Tehran University historian Dr. Mehrdad Shokri. Arab scholar Lina Al-Sheikh counters, “It’s reclaiming what’s ours.” U.S. diplomat John Brennan noted, “Language shapes policy more than we admit.” Social media saw a surge in hashtags like #ItsPersianGulf and #ArabianGulfIsReal. Clearly, even oceans can divide hearts and histories.

What makes this story a must-read
It unveils how words—just words—can alter maps, offend nations, and change the course of global diplomacy overnight.

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