Al-Budaiwi alleged the filing contained claims that infringe upon Kuwait’s sovereignty over its maritime zones and water heights, including Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Ayj. Al-Budaiwi noted the importance of “resorting to the rules and principles of international law” and the 1982 UNCLOS, in line with bilateral understandings and memorandums of understanding between the two countries. The Iraqi ministry added that the filing aimed to “collect and complete previous legal procedures” related to Iraq’s maritime zones into a single document supported by precise coordinates. It argued the move accounted for developments in the international law of the sea, including the expansion of coastal state jurisdiction. Iraq further stressed that defining its maritime zones is a “sovereign matter” in which no other state has the right to interfere, while reiterating its respect for the principles of international law.

Source: Daily News Egypt February 23, 2026 18:14 UTC