UN Submission Sparks Fresh Row
A new maritime filing by Iraq to the United Nations has reignited tensions with Kuwait, reopening sensitive questions over sea borders in the northern Gulf. Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map outlining its claimed waters, a move Kuwait says overlaps with territory it considers its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals.
The disagreement highlights the strategic weight of the region’s waterways and offshore resources, long a source of friction between the two neighbours.
Regional Support for Kuwait
Several Gulf countries swiftly voiced support for Kuwait’s position. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman all issued statements calling for respect for international law and established agreements.
Saudi Arabia noted that parts of Iraq’s submission appear to affect a maritime zone jointly shared by Riyadh and Kuwait. Egypt also weighed in, urging both sides to resolve the matter through diplomacy and legal frameworks to preserve regional stability.
Iraq Pushes Back as Old Disputes Resurface
Iraq insists its new coordinates reflect its legitimate maritime rights and comply with international law. Iraqi officials argue that Kuwait itself filed maps with the UN in 2014 without consulting Baghdad.
The row also touches on long-running disagreements over the Khor Abdullah waterway and surrounding shared areas. A 2012 agreement governing navigation there was overturned in 2023 by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court following legal challenges, further complicating the picture.
The latest dispute comes against the backdrop of broader tensions in the Gulf over maritime borders and resources. Meanwhile, Kuwait has been undertaking a sweeping review of nationality files since 2024, revoking citizenship from tens of thousands. Authorities say the move protects national identity and combats fraud, while critics warn it could leave some individuals without legal status.
