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- President Donald Trump plans to announce the U.S. will start referring to the Persian Gulf as the ‘Arabian Gulf’ or ‘Gulf of Arabia’ during his upcoming Middle East visit.
- This move has sparked widespread outrage in Iran, where the name ‘Persian Gulf’ is a point of national pride.
- The decision is seen as a friendly overture to Arab nations in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The Persian Gulf, a body of water between eastern Saudi Arabia and the southwestern coast of Iran, has been known by its current name since the 16th century. However, Arab nations in the region have long preferred the name ‘Arabian Gulf’ or ‘Gulf of Arabia’.
Core Players
- President Donald Trump – President of the United States
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi – Criticized the plan as disinformation to provoke Iranians.
- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates – Host countries for Trump’s upcoming visit.
- Google Maps and Apple Maps – Currently list the body of water as ‘Persian Gulf’ or ‘Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)’
Key Numbers
- 1935: The year Western countries began referring to Persia as Iran.
- 2012: Iran sued Google Maps over its decision not to label the Persian Gulf.
- 2017: President Trump first referred to the ‘Arabian Gulf’ during his first term, provoking ire from Iranian officials.
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The Catalyst
The plan to rename the Persian Gulf was reported by the Associated Press, stating that President Trump will make the announcement during his visit to the Middle East next week.
This move is seen as a gesture to his hosts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Inside Forces
The U.S. military has already been using the term ‘Arabian Gulf’ for years, but this change would make it an official designation for the entire U.S. government.
Iranian officials have historically been protective of the name ‘Persian Gulf,’ viewing it as a crucial part of their national identity and historical legacy.
Power Dynamics
The decision reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with President Trump’s administration seeking to strengthen ties with Arab nations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the report, warning that such a move would provoke widespread outrage among Iranians worldwide.
Outside Impact
The renaming could have broader implications for regional relations and international diplomacy. It may exacerbate tensions between Iran and the U.S., as well as between Iran and its Arab neighbors.
The move is also likely to affect how maps and other geographical resources are updated globally.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the renaming could influence future diplomatic efforts in the region, particularly in areas such as trade, security, and cultural exchanges.
It may also prompt other countries to reevaluate their own naming conventions for the body of water.
Data Points
- 16th century: The time period when the name ‘Persian Gulf’ became widely used.
- Next week: President Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East where the announcement is expected.
- Historical context: The name ‘Persian Gulf’ has been a point of national pride for Iran since the Persian Empire.
The renaming of the Persian Gulf to ‘Arabian Gulf’ or ‘Gulf of Arabia’ underscores the intricate and often contentious nature of geopolitical relations in the Middle East. As this development unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on regional dynamics and international relations.
