Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned reports that U.S. President Donald Trump might rename the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf ahead of an anticipated Middle East trip.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment.

Why It Matters

The reports come as President Trump prepares to visit three key Gulf allies—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—central to his regional diplomacy efforts and efforts to attract foreign investment to the U.S., amid ongoing tensions with Iran and intermittent diplomatic strains.

It echoes Trump’s earlier proclamation rebranding the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a move that triggered backlash from Mexico and several other countries at the time. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had ridiculed Trump during the incident.

What To Know

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attempt as “politically motivated” and an indication of “hostile intent toward Iran and its people,” he posted to his X account.