Defending the Sanctity of the Persian Gulf: We Condemn Trump's Reported Renaming
We, as a collective voice representing one of the Iranian opposition and groups dedicated to the sovereignty and enduring national interests of Iran, have learned with profound dismay and indignation of the reported intention by U.S. President Trump to officially refer to the historically and internationally recognized Persian Gulf as the "Arabian Gulf" or "Gulf of Arabia," as detailed in the May 6 report by AP.
This reported move is an affront not only to the Iranian people and our millennia-old history but also to the stability and historical integrity of the entire Middle East. The Persian Gulf is not merely a geographical name for Iran; it is a testament to centuries of Persian civilization, culture, and maritime presence, and its recognized name is an established part of the broader regional heritage. Its name is etched in countless historical documents, maps, and international legal instruments, recognized globally for centuries, long before modern political agendas sought to revise it.
We fiercely and unequivocally condemn any attempt by any foreign leader or entity, including President Trump, to distort historical facts and undermine Iran's national heritage. Such actions demonstrate a flagrant disregard for international norms and historical accuracy. Crucially, this move is dangerously divisive and will only serve to exacerbate existing regional tensions, potentially further jeopardizing the fragile stability of the Middle East. It unnecessarily politicizes a matter of established historical fact, creating discord where understanding and respect for shared history should prevail.
Furthermore, this action inadvertently plays into the hands of the Islamic Republic's longstanding propaganda. For years, the regime has strived to convince the Iranian populace that the United States is an inherent enemy of the Iranian people, irrespective of the regime itself. The Islamic Republic has cynically exploited the deep-seated patriotism of Iranians, attempting to channel it into support for its own destabilizing regional ambitions. A move like renaming the Persian Gulf would regrettably lend credence to this false narrative, strengthening the Islamic Republic's anti-American and anti-Israeli propaganda and making it more challenging for the Iranian people to distinguish between the actions of a specific administration and the stance of the American people or other nations towards Iran's rich heritage.
The integrity of our geographical nomenclature is a matter of profound national importance, transcending any particular government in power in Iran. The national interests and historical identity of Iran belong to the Iranian people, and we, as their representatives in opposition to the current regime, will not stand idly by while our heritage is compromised or used as a pawn in geopolitical maneuvering. This issue unites all Iranians, regardless of political affiliation, in defense of our shared patrimony.
While the current regime in Tehran has demonstrably failed to protect Iran's national interests on numerous fronts, the responsibility to safeguard our historical and cultural legacy falls upon all true patriots. We assert that the name Persian Gulf is non-negotiable and an integral part of Iran's sovereign identity and the historical fabric of the Middle East.
We urge the international community, cartographers, academic institutions, and media organizations to continue to uphold historical accuracy and refer to this vital body of water by its sole legitimate and historically recognized name: the Persian Gulf. Any deviation from this serves only to sow discord, disrespect the rich historical tapestry of our region, and inadvertently bolster the propaganda of those who thrive on conflict.
The people of Iran, who have championed their identity for thousands of years, will always defend the name of the Persian Gulf. This is not a matter of political contention but of national honor, historical truth, and regional stability. We remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving Iran's territorial integrity, cultural heritage, and national dignity against any and all encroachments.
