Iran to Pursue Rights over Arash Gas Field through Expert-Level Talks: FM Spokesman

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday said the country’s rights over joint Arash gas field will be pursued through expert-level talks within the framework of legal procedures.
Nasser Kanaani made the remarks in his weekly press briefing, adding that the dispute over the gas field, known as Al-Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, is a technical issue.

On Friday, the spokesman dismissed claims by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) on the “joint ownership” by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia of the field.

The resources and subsoil of the Persian Gulf should be utilized on the basis of goodwill and historical rights and in line with the common interests of the nations, Kanaani continued.

Earlier, Iran’s Oil Minister Javad Owji said that Iran will pursue its rights on Arash gas field if other parties show no willingness to cooperate.

On July 30, the minister said that Iran will pursue its rights and interests, including the exploitation and exploration of the Arash field, and will not tolerate any breach of its rights.

He pointed out that the Islamic Republic of Iran always supports the friendly settlement of border and maritime issues with neighboring states.

“Regarding the exploitation of shared oil and gas fields, we have always sought to hold negotiations and reach an understanding with neighbors, and Iran also seeks the integrated and joint exploitation of the Arash field,” he emphasized, SHANA reported.

He, however, reiterated, “If there is no willingness [on behalf of other sides] to reach an understanding and cooperate, Iran will safeguard its rights and interests, will put the exploitation and exploration of the aforementioned resources on the agenda, and will not tolerate any violation of its rights.”

The Arash gas field is located at the common maritime border of Iran and Kuwait and shared by Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.