Tensions Flare Over UN Submission
Kuwait has received strong backing from its Gulf neighbors amid a renewed sea border dispute with Iraq. The conflict erupted after Baghdad submitted new 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. The northern Gulf remains a critical region, rich in offshore resources and vital shipping lanes.
Regional Support and Calls for Dialogue
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman all voiced support for Kuwait, urging Iraq to respect international law. Egypt also called for diplomacy and adherence to agreements to maintain stability between the two neighbors. Saudi officials noted that parts of Iraq’s claim even overlap a shared Saudi-Kuwaiti maritime zone.
Historical Disputes and Broader Implications
Iraq maintains that its new coordinates align with its maritime rights and international law, while also pointing out that Kuwait submitted its own UN maps in 2014 without consultation. The disagreement involves long-standing issues over the Khor Abdullah waterway and adjacent shared zones, with a 2012 navigation agreement overturned by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court in 2023.
The dispute underscores lingering Gulf tensions over maritime boundaries and resources. Kuwait has also carried out a review of nationality files since 2024, revoking citizenship for tens of thousands to protect national identity and prevent fraud, though critics warn this could leave some individuals stateless.
