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. Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map outlining its claimed boundaries, prompting objections from Kuwait, which says the claim overlaps with waters it considers sovereign territory, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals.
The move has once again drawn attention to unresolved border questions in the northern Gulf, where shipping lanes and offshore resources make maritime lines particularly sensitive.
Regional Support and Legal Arguments
Several Gulf states swiftly voiced their backing for Kuwait. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman all issued statements urging respect for international law and existing agreements.
Riyadh noted that parts of Iraq’s new submission appear to touch on a maritime zone jointly shared with Kuwait. Meanwhile, Egypt called on both sides to pursue dialogue and resolve their differences diplomatically.
Iraq maintains that its filing reflects its lawful maritime rights and complies with international standards. Iraqi officials have also argued that Kuwait submitted its own maps to the UN in 2014 without prior consultation, underscoring the mutual distrust surrounding the issue.
Lingering Border Questions
The disagreement is closely linked to the long-disputed Khor Abdullah waterway and nearby shared areas. A 2012 navigation agreement governing the zone was overturned in 2023 by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court, adding further complexity to an already fragile arrangement.
The current row highlights broader, unresolved maritime and resource disputes in the Gulf, where historic tensions continue to resurface.
Separately, Kuwait has been carrying out an extensive 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, warn that the campaign risks leaving some individuals without citizenship.
