Iran-Kuwait Arash gas field dispute

Lately, the spokesperson for Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Kanaani addressed Kuwait's repeated claims regarding Arash gas field. He emphasized Iran's historical rights to the area and invited Kuwait to engage in constructive dialogue for a mutually beneficial agreement.

This response came after Kuwait and Jordan issued a joint statement following a meeting between their leaders, emphasizing that the gas field, known as Durra, is located within Kuwait's territorial waters, with all its resources belonging to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Kanaani expressed regret over Kuwait's persistent unilateral claims regarding the Arash gas field. He highlighted Iran's stance on the matter, citing historical rights and past negotiation records.

Iran extended an invitation to Kuwait to engage in discussions aimed at reaching a sustainable agreement grounded in friendly cooperation and shared interests.

Additionally, the Ministry's spokesperson cautioned against the issuance of repetitive statements and unilateral claims, emphasizing that such actions carry no legal weight and hinder progress towards resolution.

Kanaani reiterated Iran's commitment to monitoring regional interactions with a principle of good faith. He urged third-party governments to prioritize trust-building measures and enhance relations and cooperation in addressing disputes like the Arash gas field matter.

"We recommend the authorities of this country to refrain from resorting to fruitless political and media methods regarding the issue of Arash gas field,” he noted.

In the backdrop of regional tensions, the offshore gas field in the Persian Gulf has become a longstanding point of contention between Iran and Kuwait, both asserting ownership of this source. Last March, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to jointly develop the Durra field, known as Arash in Iran. Iran promptly objected, deeming it "illegal" and asserting plans for independent development.

The gas field, discovered in 1967 on the eastern maritime border of Kuwait, remains a source of dispute as Iran claims the field extends into its waters. Estimates suggest over 70% of the resources of the disputed gas field lie in waters claimed by Iran.

Despite years of diplomatic talks, Iran and Kuwait have not reached an agreement on their disputed maritime border area, which is rich in natural gas. The prolonged negotiations have yet to yield a resolution, highlighting the complexities surrounding this strategically significant region.