Persian Gulf May Possibly Undergo Name Change from President Trump
President Donald Trump may possibly announce the changing of the name of the Persian Gulf during his visit to Arab states in the coming week. The change would apply to the US and not the world. Nonetheless, the decision to change the name will cause considerable controversy in the Middle East.
Though many outlets have reported that Trump will change the name, it is not definitive that he will do so.
According to The Associated Press: “Trump told reporters at the White House that he expects his hosts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will ask him about the U.S. officially calling the waterway the Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Arabia.”
The Associated Press reported Tuesday “that two U.S. officials familiar with the matter said Trump would announce the change while he was on the trip. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.”
However, Trump talked with reporters at the White House about the subject, hinting he will make a decision that will not offend anyone:
“They’re going to ask me about that when I get there, and I’ll have to make a decision,” Trump commented. “I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.”
Iran is attached to the name Persian Gulf due to its historical longevity within the region.
Foreign Minister for the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on X a statement defending the name of the Persian Gulf amid the event that President Trump changes it to the US.
“I am confident that @realdonaldtrump is aware that the name PERSIAN Gulf is centuries old and recognized by all cartographers and international bodies and was even used by all leaders of the region in their official communications until as recently as 1960’s.”
