Iran Stands Firm on Disputed Gas Field Rights
Iran's Oil Minister, Javad Owji, stated that Iran will not give up any of its rights to the disputed Arash/Dorra gas field, which is also claimed by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Iran has offered to jointly use the field with Kuwait but insists on its undeniable right to exploit it. The dispute escalated when Iran announced plans to start drilling at the field, prompting Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to demand Iran demarcate its maritime border first. Iran has vowed to pursue its rights and benefits in the dispute, which comes at a time when tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran were showing signs of thawing.