Iran warns US against renaming Persian Gulf

Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticized reported US plans to rename the Persian Gulf, calling the move politically motivated and deeply offensive to Iranians worldwide.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the name Persian Gulf is rooted in “centuries of history” and recognized by international institutions and all regional leaders until the 1960s.

“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,” Araghchi wrote.

He added that any such move would have “no validity or legal or geographical effect” but would provoke strong backlash from Iranians globally, regardless of their background or political views.

The comments come amid reports that US President Donald Trump may announce the use of the term “Arabian Gulf” during an upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, a change Iran views as a deliberate provocation.

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