Tehran, May 7 (EFE).- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday called a possible renaming of the Persian Gulf by the US to the Arabian Gulf “hostile” and an “affront” to Iranians.
“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,” the Iranian foreign minister said on X.
“Such biased actions are an affront to all Iranians, regardless of their background or place of residence,” he added.
Araghchi accompanied his message with an old map from the Library of the US Congress that reads “Persian Gulf.”
The Iranian diplomat expressed hope that the “absurd rumors” about the renaming of the Gulf were a “disinformation campaign” to “anger Iranians” around the world.
“I am confident that @realdonaldtrump is aware that the name PERSIAN Gulf is centuries old and recognized by all cartographers and international bodies and was even used by all leaders of the region in their official communications until as recently as 1960’s,” he said.
On Wednesday, US news agency AP reported Wednesday, citing two US officials, requesting anonymity, that President Donald Trump was planning to announce the renaming of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia during his trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Persian Gulf has been known by that name internationally since at least the 16th century and is officially recognized as such by organizations including the United Nations and the International Hydrographic Organization.
However, some Middle Eastern countries call it the Arabian Gulf.
In 2012, Iran threatened to sue Google because its maps showed it as the Arabian Gulf in some countries.
The reports of the potential name change come amid nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, which began on Apr. 12.
Three rounds of talks have already been held and a fourth was scheduled for Saturday in Rome, but Washington ruled out participating on Thursday
Negotiations may resume over the weekend.
Trump has already renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, a decision that drew widespread criticism. EFE
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