Context:

President Donald Trump plans to announce that the U.S. will refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia during his visit to Saudi Arabia, a move that aligns with the preferences of several Arab nations but is likely to provoke controversy with Iran. Historically known as the Persian Gulf, this body of water is a point of national pride for Iranians, and any attempts to alter its name are met with strong opposition from Iran, which views such changes as politically motivated. The U.S. military has previously used the term Arabian Gulf, and this announcement could further strain U.S.-Iran relations amidst ongoing regional tensions. Trump's initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Gulf countries, seeking their economic investment and support in regional conflicts, while also reflecting his personal financial interests in the region. Although Trump can change the name for U.S. purposes, he cannot enforce this change internationally, as naming conventions are governed by organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization, which ensures uniformity in the naming of global water bodies.

Dive Deeper:

• President Trump plans to announce a change in the U.S. naming of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Arabia, aligning with Arab nations' preferences, but potentially igniting tensions with Iran, which sees the name as integral to its national heritage.

• The Persian Gulf has been recognized by its historic name since the 16th century, and Iran has strongly opposed any attempts to rename it, viewing such efforts as politically hostile actions against the country and its people.

• The U.S. military has unilaterally referred to the body of water as the Arabian Gulf for years, a practice that has previously caused diplomatic friction, particularly during Trump's first term in office.

• Trump's decision is part of a larger diplomatic effort to solidify alliances with Gulf nations, seeking their financial investment and collaboration in regional issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran's nuclear ambitions.

• Despite Trump's intentions, the renaming cannot be enforced globally, as international naming conventions are overseen by the International Hydrographic Organization, and individual countries often use different names for the same geographical features in their official documents.

• Iranian officials have condemned the renaming as lacking validity and being an affront to their national pride, warning that such actions could provoke widespread backlash from Iranians and others around the world.

• Trump's broader strategy in the region, including this controversial renaming initiative, is intertwined with his personal business interests and aims to leverage political relationships for economic gain and regional influence.