Gulf countries back Kuwait’s sovereignty after Iraq draws new boundaries
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gulf countries have united in supporting Kuwait following Iraq's submission of updated maritime coordinates to the United Nations, which Kuwait claims infringes on its sovereignty. The move by Iraq, based on the lowest low-water line method, has drawn strong reactions from Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. These nations expressed their solidarity with Kuwait after it protested Baghdad’s action, emphasizing that areas like Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij remain under Kuwait's authority.
The dispute over maritime boundaries between Iraq and Kuwait is not new. While their land border was demarcated in 1993, the maritime zones remained unresolved despite a 2012 agreement. The issue gained urgency when Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court invalidated the parliament’s ratification of the navigation agreement in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway in 2023. Kuwait has consistently maintained that its sovereignty over these areas is non-negotiable, supported by international law and conventions.
The Gulf nations’ collective response highlights their commitment to upholding regional stability and respecting international agreements. Saudi Arabia, for instance, underscored the importance of adhering to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs such disputes
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026