New UN Submission Sparks Tensions
A renewed maritime border dispute between Kuwait and Iraq has drawn strong support for Kuwait from Gulf neighbors, highlighting ongoing friction over shared waters and offshore resources. The conflict flared after Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming areas that Kuwait considers its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals.
Kuwait says the filing encroaches on its sovereign waters, while Iraq maintains its claims comply with international law. The northern Gulf, a key shipping and energy corridor, remains highly sensitive to any shifts in territorial claims.
Regional Backing and Calls for Diplomacy
Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman have issued statements supporting Kuwait and urging both sides to respect international law.
Egypt also called for a diplomatic resolution, stressing that adherence to established agreements is vital for regional stability. Saudi Arabia noted that parts of Iraq’s submission overlap with a shared Saudi-Kuwaiti maritime zone, further complicating the dispute.
Historical Disagreements Continue
The conflict is part of broader unresolved issues in the Gulf, including the Khor Abdullah waterway and nearby shared zones. A 2012 navigation agreement in the area was overturned in 2023 by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court, adding to the legal complexity.
Meanwhile, Kuwait has carried out a wide review of nationality files since 2024, revoking citizenship from tens of thousands of people. Officials argue these measures protect national identity and prevent fraud, while critics warn they risk leaving some residents stateless.
