Kuwait-Iraq tensions: The Khor Abdullah crisis and its regional repercussions

Political and diplomatic tensions have resurfaced between Kuwait and Iraq, raising regional and international concerns, following recent Iraqi decisions and actions that Kuwait considers an infringement on its sovereignty and a violation of international agreements between the two countries. While no military attack has been announced, the recent steps, particularly those related to the demarcation of maritime borders in the Khor Abdullah waterway, have been described by Kuwaiti political circles as a serious challenge to existing agreements.

Historical background and context of the crisis

Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations span decades and have witnessed complex historical junctures, most notably the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Following Kuwait's liberation, the United Nations played a pivotal role in redrawing the land and maritime borders between the two countries under Security Council Resolution 833 of 1993, which was accepted by both parties at the time. This resolution formed the legal basis for border relations, aiming to ensure stability and prevent the recurrence of conflicts. In 2012, the two countries signed an agreement to regulate maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah, a vital waterway for both nations. This agreement, ratified by both parliaments, strengthened bilateral cooperation and established clear rules for the shared use of the waterway.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

The significance of recent developments lies in the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court's decision in September 2023, which ruled the 2012 Khor Abdullah Agreement unconstitutional. This decision provoked widespread Kuwaiti discontent, with the Kuwaiti government deeming it a unilateral move that violates international norms and undermines the hard-won foundations of trust built over the years. The repercussions of this decision extend beyond bilateral relations to encompass multiple dimensions

• On the domestic and bilateral levels, this escalation threatens to return relations to a state of tension, potentially impacting economic and trade cooperation and security coordination between the two countries. It also fuels hardline rhetoric among some factions in Iraq, complicating the Iraqi government's efforts to build good neighborly relations.
• Regionally, the crisis is a source of concern for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which support Kuwait's position and emphasize the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity under international conventions. Any destabilization in this sensitive region of the Arabian Gulf could have far-reaching security and economic repercussions.
• On the international level, the conflict represents a test of adherence to international resolutions issued by the Security Council. International powers are closely monitoring the situation, fearing that an escalation could undermine maritime security in one of the world's most important waterways, a vital artery for oil exports.

In light of these developments, Kuwait stresses the need for Iraq to resort to dialogue and diplomatic and legal means to resolve any disputes, while fully adhering to its historical and legal rights guaranteed by international resolutions and agreements concluded, stressing that the security and stability of the borders is a red line that cannot be compromised.