GCC rally behind Kuwait against Iraq in maritime dispute

Gulf states expressed support for Kuwait following its objection to Iraqi "claims" that it says threaten its maritime sovereignty.

The dispute began when Iraq submitted geographic coordinates for its sea boundaries and maritime zones under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Kuwait responded by summoning Iraq's chargé d'affaires and issuing a formal protest, stating that Iraq's submission includes claims over Kuwaiti maritime areas and underwater features such as Fisht al-Qaid and Fisht al-Aij.

Baghdad maintains it has not violated international law, arguing that updating its maritime data complies with international rules and clarifies which waters are under Iraqi control.

Iraqi border expert Jamal al-Halbusi stated to The New Arab that Kuwait was fully informed of Iraq's maritime procedures and had participated in extensive technical discussions before the formal submission of the coordinates to the United Nations.

"Kuwait cannot claim surprise at Iraq's submission," al-Halbusi said.

"The two sides held 13 rounds of joint technical and border committee meetings, alternating between Iraq and Kuwait, during which maritime coordinates and legal interpretations were thoroughly discussed. Kuwait had already defined its own maritime areas under Emiri Decree No. 314 of 2014, and Iraq formally objected at the time. Therefore, characterising Iraq's recent submission as unilateral or unexpected is inaccurate," he added.

He noted that Iraq's actions resulted from a comprehensive legal and technical process.

"The coordinates deposited with the United Nations were prepared by specialised Iraqi experts in maritime delimitation and reviewed by competent legal and technical authorities," he said. "The UN examined the submission from all legal and procedural perspectives and confirmed that it complies with the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea. Iraq did not alter the boundary established under Security Council Resolution 833 of 1993. It calculated its maritime entitlements beyond marker 162 in accordance with international law."

Regarding the ongoing dispute over the Khor Abdullah waterway, al-Halbusi stated that the navigation channel is distinct from broader maritime claims.

"The agreement regulating navigation in Khor Abdullah concerns the management of a shared waterway and freedom of navigation," he said. "It does not affect Iraq's right to calculate its maritime zones beyond marker 162 under international law. The technical delimitation of maritime areas is distinct from administrative arrangements governing navigation."

He also addressed the contested Durra gas field, known as Arash in Iran, asserting that parts of the field fall within Iraq's maritime entitlement under recognised legal standards.

"According to internationally accepted methods of maritime delimitation, sections of the Dorrah field lie within the maritime area Iraq is entitled to claim," he said. "Resource-sharing arrangements should be based on equitable legal calculations, not political assumptions. If there is a dispute over overlapping claims, the appropriate avenue is technical negotiation or international adjudication, rather than public accusations."

Support for Kuwait

Saudi Arabia stated it is monitoring the issue with "great concern." It noted that Iraq's coordinates appear to extend into the submerged divided zone near the Saudi-Kuwaiti area, where both countries share resources under agreements based on the 1982 convention.

Qatar reaffirmed its support for Kuwait's "full sovereignty" over its maritime zones and underwater features, urging adherence to international law and existing agreements between Kuwait and Iraq.

Oman expressed support for Kuwait and urged Iraq to respect historical ties, good neighbourly relations, and international law.

Bahrain rejected any external claims over Kuwaiti maritime areas. The United Arab Emirates affirmed its support for Kuwait's "legitimate rights and interests" and emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue.

Jordan emphasised the importance of respecting international law and the relevant agreements between the two countries. Jordan also expressed its full support for Kuwait's sovereignty over its land and water boundaries. 

Egypt also expressed deep concern about the dispute and urged both parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy. It cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions or damage relations between Iraq and Kuwait.

Al-Halbusi criticised the Arab statements supporting Kuwait, stating they are motivated by politics rather than legal analysis.

"The positions announced by some Arab states appear to be based on political solidarity rather than a careful legal examination of the documents submitted to the United Nations," he said. "Maritime delimitation is a technical and legal matter governed by international conventions, not by political considerations."

He added that Iraq should respond through legal channels rather than escalate tensions with strong rhetoric.

"Baghdad must present the complete legal documentation and technical data to its Arab partners and clarify that its submission does not infringe on Kuwait's sovereignty," he said. "Iraq's maritime rights are derived from international law. They are not subject to approval or rejection by third parties, and regional political pressure does not alter legal entitlements under the Law of the Sea."

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it submitted updated geographic coordinates to the United Nations, officially marking Iraq's maritime boundaries under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Kuwait formally protested, claiming parts of Iraq's submission violate its maritime sovereignty.

According to Iraq's foreign ministry, the submission was delivered to the UN Secretary-General on 19 January and 9 February 2026. It contains specified geographic coordinates and an illustrative map, as mandated by Articles 16(2), 75(2), and 84(2) of the convention. The ministry indicated that the submission defines Iraq's straight baselines and those based on the lowest low-water line for measuring its territorial sea. It further delineates the boundaries of Iraq's territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf. The coordinates were prepared using the internationally recognised World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84).

Relations between the two countries have improved since the 2003 removal of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who invaded Kuwait in 1990. However, their maritime boundary remains a source of tension.