Iraqi Leaders Agree to Revive Khor Abdullah Agreement Following Federal Court Ruling

Peregraf

Iraq’s top three presidencies—President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani—convened today at Baghdad Palace to discuss urgent regional and legislative matters, including the disputed Khor Abdullah agreement with Kuwait, According to a statement from the Presidency Media Office.

The high-level meeting focused on regional developments and emphasized the need to safeguard Iraq’s stability and security. Discussions also covered preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections, set for November 11, with leaders expressing support for the Independent High Electoral Commission’s efforts to ensure a transparent and timely vote.

A key focus of the meeting was the status of the Khor Abdullah maritime navigation agreement—originally signed with Kuwait in 2012 and ratified by the Iraqi Parliament in 2013 under Law No. (42). The Federal Supreme Court had annulled the agreement in 2023, ruling that its ratification lacked the constitutionally required two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Following months of political and diplomatic pressure, the presidencies reached a consensus today on how to address the Federal Court's ruling:

1.Legislative Re-enactment: The Council of Representatives is to take the necessary legal and procedural steps to re-legislate the agreement in accordance with constitutional requirements.

2. Withdrawal of Legal Challenges: Both the Presidency and the Council of Ministers agreed to withdraw their appeals previously submitted to the Federal Court, deeming them no longer necessary once the legislative route is followed.

3. Commitment to International Law: The presidencies reaffirmed Iraq’s adherence to its international obligations, including UN charters and Security Council resolutions.

The three leaders also stressed the importance of handling sensitive international matters with care and avoiding political exploitation, which they warned could damage Iraq’s diplomatic standing and national interests.

The Khor Abdullah agreement governs shared navigation and border arrangements in Iraq’s only deep-water access to the Gulf. Its annulment in 2023 drew sharp criticism from Kuwait and international stakeholders, including the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States, who urged Baghdad to uphold the treaty to maintain regional stability.

With this new consensus, Iraqi authorities aim to restore the legal status of the agreement and contain rising tensions with Kuwait while upholding constitutional procedures and sovereignty.