Iraq continues to defend the Khor Abdullah waterway agreement through firm legal actions led by its top leaders. Both President Abdullatif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani submitted appeals against a Federal Supreme Court ruling that rejected the maritime agreement.
The Iraqi government now pushes to cancel the court’s decision and revive the Khor Abdullah waterway agreement. A source confirmed that President Rashid personally called for preserving the bilateral waterway pact, which has guided maritime navigation between Iraq and Kuwait for over ten years.
In his appeal, President Rashid explained that the Khor Abdullah waterway agreement complies with international law. He also noted that Iraq’s constitution supports peaceful neighborly ties and mutual respect. Rashid stressed that Iraq must not interfere in the internal matters of other nations. This maritime agreement, in his view, reflects that principle and ensures mutual trust.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Al-Sudani added further support by referencing the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. He stated that international rules prevent any country from using its local laws to ignore global agreements. These legal standards help maintain stability and fairness between nations.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister clarified that the Khor Abdullah waterway agreement does not involve border demarcation. Instead, it aims to regulate navigation between two coastal neighbors. He emphasized that the deal ensures smooth shipping operations and cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait. Reversing the agreement, he warned, could weaken regional partnerships.
Al-Sudani also highlighted that Iraq’s constitution requires full respect for international agreements. He argued that rejecting this maritime deal could damage Iraq’s reputation and reduce trust from neighboring countries. He urged legal authorities to honor Iraq’s global commitments.
Additionally, both the President and Prime Minister expressed concern about growing tensions in the Gulf region. They warned that removing the Khor Abdullah waterway agreement could harm long-term peace and regional unity.
Earlier, the court’s decision caused a strong reaction from Kuwait. Officials there described the ruling as historically incorrect and harmful to relations. They insisted that the agreement had clear goals and did not affect land borders.
Ultimately, Iraq remains fully committed to protecting the maritime cooperation pact with Kuwait. The government continues to defend the shipping agreement through both legal channels and diplomatic outreach, aiming to preserve peace, stability, and cooperation with its neighbor.
