Iran’s Zarif: U.S. Attempt to Rename Persian Gulf Sparks Outrage Among Patriotic Iranians
Tehran, IRNA— In a recent statement, former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has issued a cautionary note regarding potential attempts by the United States to rename the Persian Gulf. He asserted that any such action would undoubtedly provoke outrage among patriotic Iranians.
“For Iran, we will show the world and the residents of the White House that Iranians, united and speaking with one voice, will not tolerate this short-sighted commercialism,” Zarif expressed in a post on his X account on Wednesday.
He further articulated that “the use of a fictitious name for the Persian Gulf will anger every patriotic Iranian, regardless of their orientation.” Zarif stressed the need for immediate action, warning that “tomorrow may be too late for this patriotic solidarity.”
The former diplomat also shared a repost from Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who reacted to the possibility of changing the historical name of the Persian Gulf. Araqchi condemned such biased actions as a disrespectful affront to all Iranians, irrespective of their background or residence.
U.S. media have reported, citing two officials, that President Donald Trump intends to announce a shift in terminology, proposing to refer to the strategic waterway as “the Arabian Gulf” during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia.
This isn’t the first instance of controversy surrounding Trump and the Persian Gulf. During his initial term in 2017, he made a similar statement, which led then-President Hassan Rouhani to advise him to “study geography.”
Zarif famously responded at that time, saying, “Everyone knew Trump’s friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is, too.”
Historically, the Persian Gulf has been recognized as the geographic name for the body of water located off Iran’s southern coast. This designation has been documented in various texts, including Greek, Latin, Arabic, and Persian literature, as well as in medieval historical and geographical records.
- Key Points:
- Zarif warns against renaming the Persian Gulf.
- Emphasizes unity among Iranians in response to U.S. actions.
- Reposts Araqchi’s condemnation of biased naming actions.
- Reports indicate Trump may announce renaming during his trip to Saudi Arabia.
- Zarif’s past comments highlight ongoing tensions over the name.
