Donald Trump might be gearing up for another headline-grabbing move — and this time, it involves renaming a centuries-old body of water. According to two U.S. officials, the former president is expected to announce that the United States will start calling the Persian Gulf the “Arabian Gulf,” a decision sure to stir international backlash and fan geopolitical flames.
This isn’t Trump’s first attempt at geographical rebranding. During his presidency, he pushed to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” floated the idea of calling Greenland “New Trumpland” should the U.S. acquire it, and even proposed reclaiming control over the Panama Canal. He also pressured Canada to become the 51st U.S. state to avoid tariffs, and made inflammatory comments about taking over Gaza.
Now, with a scheduled tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE — where discussions are set to cover topics like the Israel-Hamas conflict, Saudi investment, and Iran’s nuclear program — insiders say Trump may use the opportunity to push the new “Arabian Gulf” label.
The body of water in question has been historically recognized as the Persian Gulf since at least the 16th century. While some Arab nations have opted for “Arabian Gulf,” the internationally accepted name has remained unchanged — until now, possibly. The move has already sparked diplomatic alarm. A Middle Eastern diplomat warned that such a declaration would be one of the few things capable of uniting all Iranians, both pro- and anti-regime, in collective outrage.
Iranian officials haven’t taken the rumors lightly. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, emphasized that the name “Persian Gulf” is part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage, not a territorial claim. “Attempts to erase or replace it are politically motivated and deeply offensive,” he stated, describing any such effort as an “affront to all Iranians.”
This wouldn’t be Trump’s first jab at the region’s naming. During his presidency, he casually referred to the area as the Gulf of Arabia, prompting Iran’s then-president to suggest he brush up on his geography. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif went further, saying Trump had not only put friendship up for sale — but geography, too.
