UN Submission Triggers Fresh Dispute
A new maritime filing by Iraq to the United Nations has reignited a long-running sea border disagreement with Kuwait, drawing swift backing for Kuwait from across the Gulf. Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map outlining its claimed boundaries, but Kuwaiti officials argue the move overlaps with waters they consider sovereign territory, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals.
The northern Gulf remains a strategically sensitive area, not only for shipping lanes but also for offshore resources, making any shift in maritime claims highly consequential.
Regional Support and Iraq’s Response
Several Gulf states quickly voiced their support for Kuwait. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman issued statements urging adherence to international law and respect for established agreements.
Saudi Arabia noted that elements of Iraq’s submission appear to overlap with a jointly shared Saudi-Kuwaiti maritime zone. Meanwhile, Egypt called for calm and encouraged both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Iraq maintains that its submission aligns with international law and reflects its legitimate maritime rights. Iraqi officials have also pointed out that Kuwait filed its own maps with the UN in 2014 without consulting Baghdad.
Old Disputes, Ongoing Sensitivities
The row also touches on unresolved questions surrounding the Khor Abdullah waterway and nearby shared areas. A 2012 agreement governing navigation there was overturned in 2023 by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court following legal challenges, adding another layer of complexity to an already delicate situation.
The dispute underscores how maritime borders and resource claims remain a lingering source of friction in the Gulf, where historical grievances have yet to be fully settled.
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 combat fraud. Critics, however, warn that the policy risks leaving some individuals without legal status.
