Iran Condemns Trump’s Reported Plan to Rename Persian Gulf as “Hostile and Politically Motivated”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Wednesday strongly condemned any attempt to rename the Persian Gulf, warning that such politically motivated moves reflect hostility toward Iran and will provoke widespread anger among Iranians worldwide.
In a statement posted on his X account, Araqchi emphasized that the name Persian Gulf is “deeply rooted in human history” and recognized for centuries by international organizations and world leaders, including those in the region until the 1960s. He contrasted Iran’s acceptance of names like the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea—viewed as part of humanity’s shared heritage—with what he called “biased actions” aimed at altering the historically established term Persian Gulf, describing them as “an affront to all Iranians.”
Araqchi expressed concern over what he called a disinformation campaign by “forever warriors” meant to provoke Iranian sentiment globally. He warned that any such short-sighted step “will have no legal or geographical effect” but would trigger the “wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life and political persuasion.”
His remarks came after the Associated Press reported that U.S. President Donald Trump, during an upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, plans to refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia.” While the official announcement has not yet been made, Trump reportedly mentioned the plan during a meeting with Canada’s prime minister.
Iranian officials cautioned that such a move could affect the ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. The fourth round of talks, previously delayed, may resume soon, pending final confirmation.
