UN Submission Sparks Fresh Tensions
A new maritime filing by Iraq to the United Nations has reignited a sensitive sea border dispute with Kuwait, drawing sharp reactions across the Gulf. Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map outlining its claimed boundaries, a move Kuwait says overlaps with waters it considers sovereign territory, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals.
The disagreement highlights the strategic weight of northern Gulf waterways, where shipping lanes and offshore resources make precise borders especially significant.
Regional Backing for Kuwait
Several Gulf nations quickly voiced support for Kuwait’s stance. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman all issued statements calling for respect for international law and established agreements.
Saudi Arabia added that parts of Iraq’s submission appear to affect a maritime zone jointly shared by Riyadh and Kuwait. Meanwhile, Egypt urged both sides to resolve the matter through dialogue and legal frameworks to preserve regional stability.
Iraq’s Position and Broader Context
Iraq maintains that its revised coordinates are consistent with its maritime rights and comply with international law. Iraqi officials also pointed out that Kuwait submitted its own maps to the UN in 2014 without consulting Baghdad.
The dispute is closely tied to long-running disagreements over the Khor Abdullah waterway and adjacent shared areas. A 2012 navigation agreement governing the zone was overturned in 2023 by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court following legal challenges, further complicating relations.
The episode reflects lingering maritime border disputes across the Gulf, where historic tensions and competing claims over resources remain unresolved.
Separately, Kuwait has been carrying out a broad review of nationality files since 2024, revoking citizenship from tens of thousands as part of what officials describe as an effort to safeguard national identity and prevent fraud. Critics, however, argue the campaign risks leaving some individuals without citizenship.
