The Use of Straight Baselines in Maritime Delimitation; With Special Reference To Maritime Delimitation Between Iran And Kuwait

The equidistance method has an essential place in the current law of maritime delimitation. According to the Law of the Sea Convention, the equidistant line must be drawn and calculated from the territorial sea baselines of the opposite or adjacent states. What is unclear is whether the equidistant line can be based on straight baseline. This question was one of the issues that divided Iran and Kuwait during their negotiations on maritime delimitation between the two states since Iran believed that its system of straight baselines must effect the maritime boundary. The findings of this paper suggest that international judicial and arbitral bodies have always refused to give effect to straight baselines when it comes to maritime delimitation. This approach is generally confirmed by the treaty practice of coastal states. Therefore, the usefulness of Iran’s position with regard to this subject, whether in future negotiations or in case of submission of the matter to third party settlement, is doubtful.