US president to announce decision on waterway name during trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Biden mentioned that he anticipates being asked about the name by his hosts during his first trip to the Middle East since taking office.
“I’ll have to make a decision on this matter,” Biden said when asked about announcing a new name for the body of water.
“I don’t wish to offend anyone. I’m unsure if feelings will be harmed, but we must be careful,” Biden added.
Biden’s remarks followed reports by US media suggesting that he plans to announce during the May 13-16 trip that the US will refer to the waterway as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia.
Historically, the naming of the waterway has been a point of contention between Arab nations and Iran.
Iran insists on the term “Persian Gulf” due to historical evidence, including ancient maps, that affirm its connection to the territory.
On the other hand, countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq prefer “Arabian Gulf” or simply “the Gulf.”
In 2023, Iran protested Iraq’s use of the term “Arabian Gulf Cup” for a significant regional football tournament.
In 2012, Iran threatened to sue Google for not labeling the waterway on its online maps.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdolahian dismissed the rumors of changing the name as ” Hostile to Iran and its people” and warned that it could enrage the Iranian population worldwide.
“Any such actions are a disrespect to all Iranians, regardless of their origin or where they live,” Amirabdolahian stated in a message on social media.
“Let’s hope these rumors about renaming the PERSIAN Gulf are just part of a disinformation campaign by certain elements aiming to stir up animosity among Iranians around the globe.”
In one of his first official actions, Biden signed an executive order in January to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in a symbolic gesture.
