Trump says he’ll decide on name of ‘Persian Gulf’ on Middle East visit
aljazeera.comPublished: 5/8/2025
Summary
The US President Donald Trump is set to announce his decision on how the US refers to the Persian Gulf during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, signaling a potential shift in naming conventions after months of tension over its designation. He has expressed a desire to avoid upsetting local sensitivities while awaiting a formal briefing, with some nations preferring "Arabian Gulf" and others opting for "Persian Gulf." This name debate, deeply rooted in regional history and sovereignty disputes, underscores the delicate balance between US influence and Middle Eastern geopolitical dynamics during Trump's first major foreign trip since his return to the presidency.