Trump's new Gulf naming stirs diplomatic waters
President Donald Trump intends to announce this coming week that the United States will refer to the body of water known as the Persian Gulf as the Arab Gulf. This information was reported by the Associated Press, noting that this decision coincides with a planned visit by American representatives to the region and the growing tensions in relations with Iran.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump plans to change the name of the Persian Gulf to the Arab Gulf.
- The Associated Press notes that the decision coincides with Trump's planned visit to Saudi Arabia.
- Trump has already changed geographical names. In January, he ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the American Gulf.
Two officials from the American administration, who wished to remain anonymous, told AP that the name Arab Gulf is expected to become commonly used instead of the Persian Gulf. Media outlets emphasise that this move is in response to the calls of the Arab countries surrounding this body of water. Tehran, however, does not change its stance and still maintains historical ties with the gulf, including its name.
Experts highlight that the US administration aims to strengthen relations with the countries of the Persian Gulf. Washington seeks to attract investments to the United States and gain support in regional conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict or limiting Iran's nuclear potential.
The AP agency reminds us that the name Persian Gulf has been used since the 16th century, although in many Middle Eastern countries, the version with "Arab" is preferred. In 2012, the Iranian government, formerly known as Persia, threatened legal action against Google for not labelling this body of water on maps.
For many years, the American military has used the term Arab Gulf instead of Persian Gulf in its statements and recordings.
Donald Trump to visit the capital of Saudi Arabia
AP notes that this decision coincides with Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to visit Riyadh, where he will meet with the leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The visit will take place in mid-May, and its purpose is to strengthen economic and investment ties with the Gulf countries.
On the morning of 14 May, the Gulf Cooperation Council summit will commence. In the afternoon of the same day, Trump will travel to Doha to meet with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Then, on 15 May, he will visit Abu Dhabi, where he will talk with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The White House announced that the details of the trip will soon be officially released.
This will be Donald Trump's first foreign visit in this term (besides the visit to the Vatican for the unexpected funeral of Pope Francis).
Trump previously changed the name of a gulf
In January, Donald Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the American Gulf. "As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America’s highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," announced the Department of the Interior.
Previously, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum jokingly suggested renaming a part of North America, based on how it looked on maps from 1607 – Mexican America, that sounds nice – said Sheinbaum.
