The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has formally intervened in a renewed maritime sovereignty dispute between Kuwait and Iraq, calling for the immediate withdrawal of recently submitted United Nations documents. The diplomatic escalation follows Iraq’s submission of coordinates and maps to the UN Secretary-General on January 19 and February 9, 2026, outlining its territorial sea baselines and maritime zones in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Kuwait has vigorously contested these submissions, asserting that the proposed coordinates constitute an unlawful encroachment on its established maritime sovereignty and fixed water elevations. According to Kuwaiti authorities, these maritime boundaries have never previously been subject to dispute between the neighboring nations.
The GCC, representing six Gulf nations including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, has unanimously voiced support for Kuwait’s position. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi issued a formal statement urging Iraq to retract its UN submissions, specifically highlighting concerns over claims to maritime areas including Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A’aij shoals.
Albudiawi emphasized the critical importance of adhering to international law and UNCLOS principles, particularly those aligned with existing bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between Iraq and Kuwait. The Secretary General referenced the GCC Supreme Council’s firm stance as articulated in the Final Statement of its 46th session, which explicitly calls for Iraq’s respect of Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The GCC statement categorically rejects any violations of Kuwait’s sovereignty over its lands, islands, associated shoals, and entire maritime zone while underscoring the necessity of upholding all relevant bilateral and international agreements, including UN resolutions.
Despite acknowledging the deep-rooted historical relations and neighborly ties between GCC members and Iraq, Albudaiwi noted that such territorial claims undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation. The Secretary General concluded by expressing hope that Iraq would review and withdraw its submissions as a confidence-building measure that would reinforce mutual trust, promote stability, and demonstrate commitment to established legal and international principles.