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Iraq and Kuwait Resume Negotiations to Resolve Maritime Border Dispute

Feb 6, 2026 February 6, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Iraq and Kuwait are resuming negotiations to resolve a maritime border dispute concerning navigation in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway. The Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized the need for a solution that aligns with constitutional and international laws, while Kuwait's Prime Minister criticized a recent Iraqi court ruling. This matter is significant as it affects regional stability and maritime navigation rights.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait are vital for regional stability and maritime navigation rights.

👥 Key Players

Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani MENTIONED
Prime Minister of Iraq
"As the leader of Iraq, his decisions impact Iraq's foreign relations and regional stability."
Prime Minister of Kuwait MENTIONED
Prime Minister of Kuwait
"Kuwait's leadership is crucial in addressing maritime disputes that affect trade and regional security."
Federal Supreme Court of Iraq MENTIONED
Judicial authority in Iraq
"Their rulings can influence Iraq's legal stance on international agreements and affect diplomatic relations."

📰 What Happened

Iraq and Kuwait are resuming negotiations to resolve a maritime border dispute over the Khawr Abd Allah waterway. The Iraqi Prime Minister has called for a solution that respects constitutional and international laws, while Kuwait has criticized a recent Iraqi court ruling on the matter.

  • The Federal Supreme Court of Iraq ruled that a bilateral navigation agreement is unconstitutional.
  • The maritime border agreement was ratified by both countries in 2013.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran may view the resolution of this dispute as a factor in regional stability, which could impact its own maritime interests in the Persian Gulf.
🌍 Regional: The resolution could enhance regional cooperation and reduce tensions between Iraq and Kuwait, influencing broader Gulf dynamics.
🌐 International: International stakeholders, particularly those involved in maritime trade, have an interest in ensuring stable navigation routes in the region.

📚 Background

The Khawr Abd Allah waterway is a significant maritime route for both Iraq and Kuwait, and disputes over borders can lead to heightened tensions. The UN demarcated their land border in 1993, but maritime boundaries remain contentious.

Maritime law Gulf Cooperation Council relations
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article presents factual information from official statements, making it a reliable source for understanding the situation.

The Prime Minister of Iraq announced on Tuesday that the country is willing to resolve its dispute with Kuwait regarding navigation in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway through negotiations. Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani stated that Iraq seeks a solution that does not contradict the constitution and international laws. He also urged both parties to refrain from provocative statements and to pursue a resolution with understanding and rationality. The Federal Supreme Court of Iraq recently ruled that the bilateral agreement for regulating navigation in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway is 'unconstitutional.' On the other hand, the Prime Minister of Kuwait described the Iraqi court's ruling regarding this waterway as containing 'historical errors' and called on Iraq to take 'specific, decisive, and immediate actions' to address it. The shared land border between Iraq and Kuwait was demarcated by the United Nations in 1993, but the length of the maritime borders remains undefined. The maritime border agreement between the two countries was reached in 2012 and was ratified by the legislative bodies of both Iraq and Kuwait in 2013.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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