Gulf Support Strengthens Kuwait’s Position
Kuwait has received strong backing from Gulf neighbors as tensions with Iraq escalate over contested sea borders. The dispute intensified after Baghdad submitted new coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming waters that Kuwait says belong to it, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman have publicly supported Kuwait, urging all parties to respect international law.
Iraq Pushes Its Case
Iraq insists that its submission aligns with its maritime rights and international regulations. Iraqi officials also noted that Kuwait had filed its own maps with the UN in 2014 without consulting Baghdad. The dispute involves longstanding issues surrounding the Khor Abdullah waterway and nearby shared zones, further complicated by a 2012 navigation agreement that Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court overturned in 2023. Saudi Arabia highlighted that parts of Iraq’s claims overlap with a shared Saudi-Kuwaiti maritime area.
Broader Implications and National Measures
The maritime conflict reflects unresolved tensions across the Gulf over borders and offshore resources. Meanwhile, Kuwait has conducted a broad review of nationality files since 2024, revoking citizenship from tens of thousands of people to protect national identity and prevent fraud. Critics warn that these measures could leave some individuals stateless, adding another layer of complexity to the country’s domestic and regional challenges.
