According to two officials, Donald Trump is preparing to announce a new plan that will change how the United States refers to another geographical area.
Previously, Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. He also provocatively suggested a new name for Greenland should the US ever acquire it and discussed plans to take back the Panama Canal.
Further, he made an attempt to persuade Canada to join the United States as the 51st state, arguing it would be exempt from tariffs, and expressed intentions to ‘take over’ Gaza, displacing Palestinians.
Now, there are rumors he might target the Persian Gulf for a name change.
In the coming week, Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Discussions are expected on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, Saudi investments in the US, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Two US officials have informed The Associated Press that Trump plans to announce that the US will no longer call the Gulf of Persia by its historic name, but instead refer to it as the Gulf of Arabia or Arabian Gulf.
This potential move is controversial and has stirred criticism.
The name Persian Gulf has been used since the 16th century, although some Arab nations in the region prefer the term Arabian Gulf.
In 2012, Iran decided to sue Google Maps when it did not label the body of water near Iran, indicating the significance of the name.
Despite being known by both names depending on whom you ask, Trump’s involvement has prompted reactions from various figures.
A diplomat told The Guardian: “If Trump went ahead with the proposal he would manage to unite every Iranian, pro- or anti-regime, against him, and that is a near impossible achievement.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed hope that these claims are false, emphasizing that the name does ‘not imply ownership by any particular nation, but rather reflects a shared respect for the collective heritage of humanity,’ and is ‘deeply rooted in human history.’
“Iran has never objected to the use of names such as the Sea of Oman, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea or Red Sea. In contrast, 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. Such biased actions are an affront to all Iranians, regardless of their background or place of residence,” he added.
“Any shortsighted 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 and political persuasion in Iran, the US and across the world.”
For now, these reports are just claims, but Trump has previously referred to the Gulf of Persia by a different name.
During his first presidential term, he called it the Gulf of Arabia, which sparked criticism.
Hassan Rouhani, then-president of Iran, advised Trump to ‘study geography.’
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif commented online: “Everyone knew Trump’s friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is, too.”