Iran to 'pursue rights' over disputed gas field: ministry
Monday, 31 July 2023
TEHRAN, July 30, 2023 (AFP) - Iran's oil minister said Sunday Tehran would "pursue its rights" to a disputed gas field also claimed by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait if negotiations fail, the ministry's news agency reported.
The offshore zone of the resource-rich Gulf, known as Arash in Iran and Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, has long been a focal point of contention between the three countries.
"Iran will pursue its rights and interests regarding exploitation and exploration" of the field "if there is no desire for understanding and cooperation", Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji was quoted as saying by the official Shana news agency.
He said Tehran has sought "the path of negotiation and understanding with our neighbours", according to Shana.
"Iran will not tolerate any violation of its rights," Owji added. Earlier this month, Kuwait had invited Iran for another round of maritime border talks after Tehran said it was ready to start drilling in the field.
On Thursday, Sky News Arabia quoted Kuwait's Oil Minister Saad Al-Barrak as saying his country would begin "drilling and production" at the gas field without waiting for a demarcation deal with Iran.