Tensions between Iran and the United States flared again this week after former President Donald Trump referred to the Persian Gulf by a different name—an act Iranian officials say could provoke severe backlash from the Iranian people.

In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that any attempt to rename the Persian Gulf would result in “the wrath of all Iranians.” The remarks came in response to Trump’s comments at a recent rally, where he reportedly used the term “Arabian Gulf”—a label Iran has long condemned as historically inaccurate and politically charged.

“The name is Persian Gulf. Any distortion is unacceptable,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani. “This is not just about geography—it is about the identity and pride of the Iranian nation.”

The naming dispute over the Persian Gulf is a longstanding point of contention. Iran insists on the use of the traditional term “Persian Gulf,” which has appeared in historical maps and texts for centuries. However, several Arab states and some Western leaders have occasionally used the term “Arabian Gulf,” which Tehran considers a provocation and an affront to Iranian sovereignty.

Trump’s comment comes at a time of heightened sensitivity in the region, as nuclear negotiations remain stalled and Iranian-backed militias continue to clash with U.S. forces and allies across the Middle East. Analysts warn that even symbolic gestures—like the renaming of a body of water—can quickly escalate tensions and become diplomatic flashpoints.

In past years, Iran has responded aggressively to similar provocations, including banning airlines and companies that use the term “Arabian Gulf” from doing business in the country.

As Trump ramps up international travel and geopolitical rhetoric ahead of a potential second term, the Persian Gulf controversy serves as a reminder that even words can carry serious geopolitical consequences.