Explained: Why Kuwait Is Protesting Iraq's Border Map As GCC Allies Voice Support

2026-02-23 02:18:34

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Kuwait claimed that the new coordinates include encroachments on its sovereignty over its maritime areas and its fixed water elevations

PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Feb 2026, 3:13 PM

By:
Laraib Anwer

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A maritime border dispute between Kuwait and Iraq has resurfaced, with Gulf countries including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain voicing support for Kuwait.

The situation arose after Iraq submitted maps to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on January 19 and February 9, listing the coordinates of the Iraqi territorial sea baselines and maritime zones "in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982".

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Kuwait has claimed that these new coordinates include encroachments on its sovereignty over its maritime areas and its fixed water elevations, which were never the subject of any dispute with Iraq.

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This is not the first time controversy has ignited over the matter, as the root of the renewed tension lies in the long-running dispute over Khor Abdullah, a narrow waterway in the Arabian Gulf between the Kuwaiti islands of Bubiyan and Warbah and the Al Faw Peninsula of Iraq.

The issue dates back to the aftermath of Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait under then-President Saddam Hussein. Despite improved diplomatic relations in 2003 after the fall of Saddam's government, maritime boundaries have strained ties time and again.

In 1991, the UN set the land boundary between the two countries under Security Council Resolution 833. While Kuwait says that this resolution established both land and maritime boundaries, Iraq argues that the coordinates did not fully cover the deeper offshore maritime limits.

Due to the area of Khor Abdullah, which falls within Iraqi territory and has heavy silt accumulation, the country objects to using the term 'median line' and instead says the divide should be based on the 'deepest navigable channel'. Kuwait, on the other hand, does not follow this system, which has led to a dispute.

What does Iraq say?

After the regional concern over the matter, Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Sunday, February 22, clarifying that the map includes the "determination of straight baselines and baselines drawn along the low-water line for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea".

The latest map replaces the previous ones submitted on December 7, 2021, and April 15, 2011.

It also added the coordinates incorporate the "delimitation of the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf of Iraq, in accordance with the internationally recognised World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84)".

While explaining the rationale for the latest submission, the authority stated that it was aimed at "updating Iraq's maritime data in line with the provisions of international law and enhancing the legal clarity of the boundaries of maritime zones subject to Iraq's sovereignty and sovereign rights".

The new lists of coordinates and the illustrative chart have now been published on the official website of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, with access being given to Member States and relevant stakeholders.

"The ministry reiterates the full commitment of Iraq to the provisions of international law and its keenness to regulate its maritime rights in accordance with the established legal frameworks, thereby contributing to stability and cooperation in the region," the statement concluded.

What has Kuwait's response been?

In response to the latest change, which has reached the international stage, Kuwait handed over an official protest note regarding the encroachments to the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Iraq in Kuwait on Saturday, February 21.

The country said the map "containing claims regarding Iraqi maritime zones" and water elevations of Fashat al-Qaid and Fashat al-Ayj were never a subject of dispute prior to this incident.

Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called upon Iraq to take into consideration the course of the historical relations between the two brotherly countries and their peoples, and to deal "seriously and responsibly" in accordance with the rules and principles of international law.

It also urged the country to take into consideration the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982, "in a manner consistent with the understandings, agreements, and bilateral memoranda of understanding concluded between the two countries".

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed in 1982 in Jamaica - also known as the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea Treaty - is an international treaty that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.

Aside from its provisions defining ocean boundaries, the convention establishes general obligations for safeguarding the marine environment and protecting freedom of scientific research on the high seas.

It also creates a legal regime for controlling mineral resource exploitation in deep seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction, through an International Seabed Authority and the common heritage of mankind principle.

Gulf countries respond

Gulf countries voiced support for Kuwait in maritime dispute with Iraq.

Bahrain voiced“deep concern” over the map, stating that it infringed upon Kuwait's sovereignty over its maritime areas and fixed elevations, including Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Kuwait's full sovereignty and called on Iraq to act responsibly, in line with international law and bilateral agreements.

The UAE also expressed full solidarity with Kuwait, condemning the submission of the coordinates and map to the UN. The UAE ministry stressed the importance of respecting Kuwait's sovereignty, including over the Al-Qudra Shoals and Al-Ayij Shoals, and urged Iraq to resolve disputes through constructive dialogue.

Oman offered support to Kuwait, emphasising historical fraternal relations and the principles of good neighbourliness, while calling on Iraq to comply with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982.

Saudi Arabia said it was following the matter with“high interest and concern,” rejecting Iraq's claims to areas adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti divided zone. The ministry stressed that shared natural resources in these areas must continue to be managed in accordance with previous agreements.

Qatar reaffirmed its full support for Kuwait's sovereignty over its maritime zones and fixed elevations, including Fasht Al-Qaid and Fasht Al-Aij, and urged that international law and previous agreements between Kuwait and Iraq be respected.