The Biden administration is reportedly preparing to make a significant diplomatic shift by officially changing how the U.S. government refers to the body of water between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. According to sources within the administration who spoke to The Associated Press, the U.S. will formally adopt “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia” in place of the historically used term “Persian Gulf.”
This anticipated announcement is expected to coincide with President Biden’s upcoming diplomatic tour of Middle Eastern allies, scheduled for May 13-16, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The move follows a similar nomenclature change early in the administration when the “Gulf of Mexico” was renamed to “Gulf of America.”
The waterway in question has been predominantly known as the Persian Gulf since the 18th century, though many Arab nations have long preferred and utilized the term “Arabian Gulf.” Currently, different branches of the U.S. government employ varying terminology – U.S. Central Command uses “Gulf of Arabia” in its communications, while both the State Department and CIA have maintained the traditional “Persian Gulf” designation.
The planned change is likely to be warmly received by America’s Arab Gulf allies but could potentially strain relations with Iran, adding another layer of complexity to already tense diplomatic relations. However, analysts suggest this naming dispute, while symbolically significant, ranks lower on the scale of pressing regional concerns.
The timing of this announcement may serve as a strategic diversion from more challenging diplomatic issues that aren’t expected to see substantial progress during the President’s Middle Eastern tour. Notable among these are Saudi-Israeli normalization efforts and negotiations for a Gaza peace settlement, both of which appear to be at a standstill.
The practical impact of this change would primarily affect
professionals in specific fields, including journalists covering international affairs, broadcasters, maritime navigators, and shipping industry personnel. While the modification might seem largely symbolic to many, it represents a significant diplomatic gesture toward Gulf Arab states, who have long advocated for this change in international usage.
This development emerged following Biden’s meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister in the Oval Office, where he teased a “very, very big announcement” regarding the upcoming Middle East trip. The news briefly influenced market movements, as traders initially speculated the announcement might relate to Chinese trade developments.
The renaming initiative reflects ongoing geopolitical sensitivities in the region and demonstrates how geographic nomenclature can serve as a tool in international diplomacy. The Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf naming controversy has been a point of contention for decades, with various regional stakeholders advocating for their preferred terminology in international forums and official communications.
The administration’s decision to make this change now suggests a calculated move to strengthen ties with Gulf Arab allies at a time when regional cooperation is particularly crucial. While the immediate practical implications may be limited, the symbolic significance of this shift in official U.S. terminology could have lasting
implications for diplomatic relations in the region, particularly as it relates to the complex balance of power between Iran and its Arab neighbors.