New UN Submission Sparks Dispute
A renewed maritime border disagreement has emerged between Kuwait and Iraq after Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming waters that Kuwait considers its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. Gulf Arab states quickly voiced support for Kuwait, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law in the strategically vital northern Gulf region.
Regional Backing and Iraq’s Position
Neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, issued statements backing Kuwait and urging both sides to honor existing agreements. Iraq maintains that its submission aligns with its maritime rights under international law, noting that Kuwait had previously filed its own UN maps in 2014 without consultation. Saudi Arabia highlighted that some of Iraq’s claims overlap with a shared Saudi-Kuwaiti maritime zone, while Egypt also called for dialogue to resolve the issue peacefully.
Lingering Border Disputes and Domestic Measures
The dispute adds to long-standing tensions over the Khor Abdullah waterway and surrounding shared zones. A 2012 navigation agreement was overturned in 2023 by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court, further complicating the situation. Separately, Kuwait has been reviewing nationality records since 2024, revoking citizenship from tens of thousands of people to safeguard national identity and prevent fraud, though critics warn this risks leaving some individuals stateless.
