Trump plans to rename Persian Gulf as 'Arab Gulf' amid tensions
President Donald Trump plans to announce this coming week that the United States will refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arab Gulf. This information was reported by the Associated Press, indicating that the decision aligns with a planned visit by American representatives to the region and increasing tensions with Iran.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump intends to rename the Persian Gulf as the Arab Gulf.
- The Associated Press highlights that this decision aligns with Trump's planned visit to Saudi Arabia.
- Trump has made changes to geographical names before. In January, he ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the American Gulf.
Two officials from the American administration, who requested anonymity, informed AP that the term Arab Gulf is expected to become commonly used instead of the Persian Gulf soon. Media outlets emphasize that this move responds to the requests of Arab countries bordering this body of water. Tehran, however, maintains its stance and continues to uphold historical ties with the gulf, including its name.
Experts point out that the U.S. administration aims to strengthen relations with the countries of the Persian Gulf. Washington seeks to attract investments to the United States and gain support in regional conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war or limiting Iran's nuclear potential.
The AP agency reminds us that the name Persian Gulf has been in use since the 16th century, although many Middle Eastern countries prefer the variant with "Arab." In 2012, the Iranian government, formerly known as Persia, threatened to sue Google for not labeling this body of water on maps.
For many years, the American military has used the term Arab Gulf instead of Persian Gulf in its statements and recordings.
Donald Trump to visit the capital of Saudi Arabia
AP notes that this decision aligns with Donald Trump's Middle East visit. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to visit Riyadh, where he will meet with leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The visit is scheduled for mid-May and aims to strengthen economic and investment cooperation with Gulf countries.
On the morning of May 14, the Gulf Cooperation Council summit will open. In the afternoon, Trump will travel to Doha to meet with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Then, on May 15, he will visit Abu Dhabi to talk with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The White House has announced that the details of the trip will soon be officially released.
This will be Donald Trump's first foreign visit this term (excluding the visit to the Vatican for the unexpected funeral of Pope Francis).
Trump previously changed the name of a gulf
In January, Donald Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the American Gulf. "As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America’s highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," announced the Department of the Interior.
Previously, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum jokingly suggested renaming a part of North America, based on its appearance on maps from 1607 - Mexican America, that sounds nice - said Sheinbaum.
