Tensions Rise Over UN Submission
A fresh wave of tensions has erupted in the northern Gulf after Iraq submitted new maritime coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming areas that Kuwait considers its own. Kuwait says the filing encroaches on key waters, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals, reigniting a long-standing dispute over the region’s strategic waterways and offshore resources.
Several Gulf Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, have voiced their support for Kuwait, stressing the importance of respecting international law.
Baghdad Stands Firm
Iraq maintains that its submission reflects its maritime rights and complies with international law. Iraqi officials also pointed out that Kuwait filed maps with the UN in 2014 without prior consultation. The disagreement extends to the Khor Abdullah waterway and surrounding shared zones, where a 2012 navigation agreement was overturned by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court in 2023 after legal challenges.
Saudi Arabia highlighted that parts of Iraq’s filing also touch on a shared Saudi-Kuwaiti maritime area. Egypt joined calls for a diplomatic resolution, urging both nations to adhere to existing agreements to maintain regional stability.
Lingering Regional Disputes
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions in the Gulf over maritime borders and resources, with unresolved issues continuing to surface. Kuwait has also been reviewing nationality files since 2024, revoking citizenship from tens of thousands in an effort officials say protects national identity and prevents fraud. Critics, however, warn that these measures could leave some residents stateless, adding another layer of sensitivity to the region’s complex political landscape.
