Donald Trump: I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings

Donald Trump, in response to the controversial reaction to changing the name of the Persian Gulf, said: “I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”

The release of a report by Associated Press about changing the name of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf sparked widespread reactions from Iranians around the world. The news network reported on Wednesday, May 7, stating: “Donald Trump intends to use the name Arabian Gulf instead of the Persian Gulf during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Donald Trump also responded to a reporter’s question on this matter, saying that he has not made a final decision yet but will announce it soon.”

Donald Trump, who is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar between May 13-16, said yesterday in front of reporters at the White House: “I expect my hosts to ask me that the United States call the Persian Gulf the Arabian Gulf. When I get there, they will ask me about this matter and I will have to decide.”

Trump’s remarks about using the Arabian Gulf instead of the Persian Gulf prompted Iranians both inside and outside the country—including ordinary people, politicians, officials, artists, and system officials—to react very strongly to his statements. By posting various messages on social media, they reminded that the Persian Gulf is not just a name, but a historical fact and the national identity of Iran, and they will stand to defend this heritage.

Although Donald Trump used the Arabian Gulf instead of the Persian Gulf during a speech in 2017 (his first presidential term) and provoked numerous reactions, he has again emphasized this name change and announced it. Now, in response to harsh reactions to this decision, he said: “I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, I don’t know if anyone’s feelings will be hurt.” His decision comes as it has provoked not only reactions from Iranians around the world, but also from some countries.

In the past, he also officially changed the name of the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America,” which caused widespread reactions from Mexico and other countries. However, not only did he not back down from his decision, but he also formalized and legalized it by issuing an executive order. Trump, pointing to a map of the Gulf of Mexico in his office at the White House, announced: “I have a file here called the Gulf of America. I think many people get ideas from us, but the Gulf of America is a place that in my opinion should have been named this way years ago.”

His remarks come as Arab countries bordering the Persian Gulf have been trying for years to change the name of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf but have not succeeded.

Mohammad Ali Abtahi, deputy to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, reacted to this report by writing: “If any name other than the Persian Gulf comes out of Mr. Trump’s mouth, he will become the strongest unifying factor for the Iranian people domestically and abroad, among supporters, opponents, opposition, old and young, and opponents and proponents of negotiations with America will also stand together.”

Reactions to Donald Trump’s remarks continue even a day later. In the Associated Press report, it also stated: “Although Donald Trump can determine what name the United States uses for the Persian Gulf in its official documents, he cannot in any way determine such a thing for other countries or dictate to them.”