Trump Administration to Adapt Using 'Arabian Gulf' Instead of Persian Gulf

The US will start to use the term "Arabian Gulf" instead of the "Persian Gulf", the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump plans to make this announcement during his upcoming trip to the Middle East, according to the sources cited by the prestigious outlet. 

The naming of the strategic body of water is a sensitive issue, particularly for Iran, which strongly opposes any other terms for the gulf except the “Persian Gulf.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday condemned the reported US decision.

“Politically motivated attempts to alter the historically established name of the Persian Gulf are indicative of hostile intent toward Iran and its people, and are firmly condemned. Such biased actions are an affront to all Iranians, regardless of their background or place of residence,” Araghchi posted on X.

“While any short-sighted step in this connection will have no validity or legal or geographical effect, it will only bring the wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life and political persuasion in Iran, the US and across the world,” he added.