BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
In a strong display of regional unity, Gulf countries have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Iraq announced adjustments to certain maritime boundaries. The development, though technical in nature, quickly assumed political significance, prompting swift diplomatic responses from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Though technical in appearance, the matter quickly evolved into a sensitive political issue, reviving memories of past tensions and underscoring the importance of regional unity.
For Kuwait, sovereignty is not an abstract principle, it is a lived experience. The trauma of the 1990 invasion by Iraq under Saddam Hussein remains deeply embedded in the national memory. The occupation and eventual liberation reshaped the Gulf’s security framework and led to internationally supervised border demarcations designed to prevent future disputes. Those arrangements, endorsed by the United Nations, form the legal foundation of Kuwait’s territorial integrity today.
When Iraq reportedly introduced a new map in communications linked to the United Nations framework, Kuwait reacted swiftly but firmly. Authorities in Kuwait City summoned the Iraqi envoy to formally convey their objection. During the meeting, Kuwait called on the Iraqi side to immediately withdraw and surrender the map submitted to the UN, stressing that any unilateral alteration or reinterpretation of internationally recognized boundaries would be unacceptable. The move signaled Kuwait’s seriousness while maintaining a diplomatic channel for dialogue.
The response from Gulf Cooperation Council states was immediate and unequivocal. Saudi Arabia emphasized that Kuwait’s security and sovereignty are inseparable from that of the Kingdom and the wider Gulf region. The statement underscored respect for international agreements and the sanctity of established borders. Likewise, United Arab Emirates reiterated its full support for Kuwait’s territorial integrity and called for disputes to be addressed through diplomatic and legal mechanisms. Qatar stressed the importance of peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, while Bahrain affirmed its solidarity with Kuwait against any action that could undermine stability.
Oman, known for its balanced diplomacy, echoed the call for calm engagement and adherence to established frameworks. These statements were not mere formalities. They reflected a collective memory shaped by conflict and a shared commitment to preventing its recurrence. The Gulf states understand that even technical disputes over maritime demarcation can carry symbolic weight and wider geopolitical implications. Unity, in such circumstances, becomes both a message and a deterrent.
At the same time, Iraq’s broader regional trajectory must be acknowledged. Baghdad has made consistent efforts in recent years to rebuild trust and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with its Gulf neighbors. Stability in relations is crucial for Iraq’s development and integration into regional markets. For that reason, the current tension presents an opportunity for constructive engagement rather than escalation. Beyond diplomacy, there is a human dimension to this episode. Citizens across the Gulf recall the cost of instability, the disruption of livelihoods, economic uncertainty, and social strain.
The swift support for Kuwait reassures the public that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable pillars of regional order. Ultimately, this issue is not simply about maritime lines on a map. It is about trust, legal commitments, and the preservation of peace in a strategically vital region. By summoning the Iraqi envoy and demanding the withdrawal of the contested map, Kuwait demonstrated resolve. By standing firmly beside Kuwait, Gulf countries demonstrated solidarity.
