UN Submission Triggers Fresh Tensions
A new maritime filing by Iraq to the United Nations has reignited a long-running sea border dispute with Kuwait. Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map outlining its claimed boundaries, a move Kuwait says overlaps with waters it regards as its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals.
The disagreement once again highlights the strategic weight of northern Gulf waterways, where shipping routes and offshore resources carry both economic and political importance.
Regional Allies Rally Around Kuwait
Several Gulf nations swiftly voiced their backing for Kuwait’s position. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman issued statements emphasizing respect for international law and existing agreements.
Saudi Arabia noted that parts of Iraq’s submission appear to overlap with a maritime zone jointly shared by Riyadh and Kuwait. Egypt also called for restraint, urging both sides to resolve the matter diplomatically.
Iraq Pushes Back as Old Disputes Resurface
Iraq insists its new coordinates reflect legitimate maritime rights and comply with international law. Iraqi officials have pointed out that Kuwait submitted its own maps to the UN in 2014 without consulting Baghdad.
The disagreement also ties into unresolved questions over the Khor Abdullah waterway and surrounding shared areas. A 2012 navigation agreement governing the zone was overturned in 2023 by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court following legal challenges, adding another layer of complexity.
The row forms part of broader, lingering disputes across the Gulf over maritime boundaries and resource claims. Meanwhile, Kuwait has been facing scrutiny on domestic issues, having conducted an extensive nationality review since 2024 that has seen tens of thousands stripped of citizenship. Authorities say the campaign protects national identity and prevents fraud, while critics warn it risks leaving some individuals without a state.
