Trump links Persian Gulf “disaster” to Iran, proposes symbolic shift

During an address at a US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh on May 13, President Donald Trump referred to the ongoing instability in the Persian Gulf as a “disaster,” and controversially suggested a renaming of the strategically vital waterway.

“There could be no sharper contrast with the path you have pursued on the Arabian Peninsula than the disaster unfolding right across in the Gulf of Iran. Think of that. They wanted to name it that. I said they’re not going to let them do that,” Trump said, drawing a sharp comparison between Gulf Arab states and Iran.

The president’s comments hinted at a broader, symbolic shift: a push to rename the Persian Gulf to either the “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia.” A source familiar with the internal discussions told CNN that the Trump administration had been considering officially adopting such terminology, though that plan was reportedly softened after Iranian officials expressed fierce objections. The Persian Gulf, which borders Iran to the north and several Arab countries to the south, has long been a linguistic and geopolitical flashpoint. While Arab states have advocated for the alternate designation, Iran insists on maintaining the traditional name, which is deeply tied to its national identity and heritage.

Trump’s remarks, made amid a regional tour that also includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, form part of a wider diplomatic effort to deepen cooperation with Gulf states. The president is seeking increased investment from these countries in US infrastructure and industry, while also rallying support for US positions on regional security. His agenda includes seeking Gulf state backing in containing Iran’s nuclear program and brokering a potential resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Trump’s ties to the Gulf region have also been shaped by longstanding business relationships with several Arab states, ties he has maintained during his presidency despite criticism over conflicts of interest.

The idea of renaming the Persian Gulf is not the administration’s first foray into controversial geographical rebranding. Earlier this year, Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” That move led to a legal dispute with the Associated Press, which challenged an executive order that restricted its access to government events after it refused to adopt the new terminology. The court ultimately ruled in favour of the AP, reaffirming the constitutional protections for freedom of speech and the press.

While the US may adopt alternative terms for domestic use, it lacks the authority to enforce such changes internationally. For many Iranians, the name “Persian Gulf” carries profound cultural and historical significance. Efforts to alter the name are seen in Tehran as provocations and affronts to Iran’s sovereignty and heritage, reinforcing broader regional tensions at a time when US-Iran relations remain strained.

By Tamilla Hasanova