Trump to announce the US will call the Persian Gulf the Arabian Gulf — ahead of massive Middle East trip

New York Post - May 7th, 2025
Open on New York Post

President Donald Trump plans to announce a significant geopolitical shift during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, by officially referring to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia. This proposed change aligns with the preferences of Arab nations, while Iran staunchly defends the historic name 'Persian Gulf.' The revelation comes from two US officials speaking anonymously, and neither the White House nor the National Security Council has commented on the matter. Trump's decision, though impactful for US official purposes, does not mandate global adoption. This move marks an attempt to strengthen ties with Gulf nations as Trump seeks their investment and cooperation in regional conflicts, including those involving Israel and Iran.

The renaming initiative could have broader implications given the tense geopolitical climate in the Middle East. The Persian Gulf has been a strategic and contested region, with its naming convention reflecting deeper historical and political divides. The International Hydrographic Organization, which includes the US, traditionally ensures uniform naming standards for global bodies of water, highlighting the potential for conflict over this decision. Trump's planned trip, his first since taking office, underscores his strategy to bolster relationships with key Gulf countries for both political and economic ends, amidst ongoing regional tensions and his personal business interests in the area. This move follows earlier controversial attempts by Trump to rename the Gulf of Mexico, which faced legal pushback from media organizations such as the Associated Press.

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RATING

5.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant discussion on a potential policy change by President Trump regarding the renaming of the Persian Gulf. It highlights key geopolitical issues and historical context, making it of public interest. However, the reliance on anonymous sources and lack of diverse perspectives affect its accuracy and balance. The article is generally clear and readable, but could benefit from more transparency and source quality to enhance its credibility. While it has moderate engagement potential, the lack of detailed analysis and diverse viewpoints limits its impact and controversy. Overall, the article raises important questions about U.S. foreign policy and international relations, but requires further verification and context to fully understand its implications.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that require verification, such as President Trump's plan to rename the Persian Gulf and the historical usage of different names for this body of water. The claim that Trump plans to announce the name change during his trip to Saudi Arabia is specific and could be verified by checking official statements or announcements. However, the article does not provide direct evidence or quotes from named sources, relying instead on anonymous officials, which weakens its accuracy. Additionally, the claim about Iran's lawsuit against Google in 2012 is a verifiable historical fact, although it requires checking external sources for confirmation. The mention of Trump's previous attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico adds a layer of complexity, suggesting a pattern of behavior, but this also requires verification through reliable sources.

5
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the U.S. perspective, particularly Trump's actions and their implications. While it briefly mentions Iran's position on the naming issue, the article lacks a comprehensive exploration of the viewpoints from other countries directly affected by the renaming, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This narrow focus may lead to an imbalance as it does not fully represent the regional geopolitical dynamics or the potential reactions from the international community. Including perspectives from these countries and organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization would provide a more balanced view.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation of information, with a logical structure that outlines the main claims and provides some historical context. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the key points. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of complex geopolitical issues, such as the historical naming conventions and the potential implications of the renaming. Despite these minor issues, the overall clarity is adequate for a general audience.

4
Source quality

The article relies heavily on information from two unnamed U.S. officials, which raises questions about the reliability and credibility of the sources. The use of anonymous sources is common in journalism, especially when discussing sensitive topics, but it requires careful handling to maintain credibility. The lack of attribution to specific individuals or official documents diminishes the authority of the claims. Furthermore, the article does not cite any external sources or documents to corroborate its assertions, which affects the overall source quality.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several areas, particularly concerning its sources and the basis for its claims. The reliance on anonymous officials without providing context or justification for their anonymity limits the reader's ability to assess the credibility of the information. Additionally, the article does not explain how it obtained the information or the methodology behind the reporting. Transparency could be improved by providing more context about the sources and the decision-making process behind the claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.wftv.com/news/politics/trump-plans-announce/BSF2TW774RGP7LLVQB2ICA7OO4/
  2. https://www.mynspr.org/2025-02-03/who-will-call-it-the-gulf-of-america-a-look-at-this-and-other-naming-disputes
  3. https://mei.edu
  4. https://merip.org/2022/08/the-financial-ties-that-bind-the-arab-gulf-monarchies-and-the-united-states/
  5. https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/a-second-trump-administration-potential-policy-toward-the-middle-east/