Qit'at Jaradah would be in Qatari waters with respect to the equidistant line that otherwise divides the nations in this area.

As the two parties neared conflict, tensions were reduced under pressure from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to resume the status quo ante.

Saudi Arabia, through the Gulf Cooperation Council, attempted to negotiate a permanent agreement but was unsuccessful.

[1] In 2003, the International Court of Justice ruled by a 12–5[6] vote that Qit'at Jaradah was an island and that sovereignty belonged to Bahrain, although dissenting opinions questioned whether it should be considered an island given its small size, variable physical characteristics, and lack of firm ground.

"[4] Bahrain's activities on the "island" included placing a navigation beacon, drilling an artesian well, and permitting fishing and oil exploration.