Iran dismisses PGCC claim on Saudi-Kuwait ‘ownership’ of Arash gas field

Iran has dismissed claims by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) on the “joint ownership” by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait of the Arash or Al-Dorra oil and gas field.

“The Persian Gulf littoral states should utilize the resources and subsoil of the Persian Gulf based on goodwill and historical rights in line with the common interests of the nations,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani said on Friday.

The Iranian diplomat responded to a statement issued at the end of the 157th session of the PGCC Ministerial Council on Thursday.

He said during negotiations with Kuwait, Iran has always reiterated its policy of pursuing “friendly and constructive” cooperation in the energy sector, including in the Arash field.

Kan’ani said approaches based on common interests would certainly prepare an appropriate ground for regional cooperation.

In recent months, a long-running territorial dispute over the strategically located gas field shared between Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia has resurfaced with the two Arab parties claiming “exclusive rights” over it. Tehran has reminded Riyadh and Kuwait City of their legal responsibilities.

The dispute has since the 1960s seen several cycles of claims and counter-claims by the parties involved, becoming a key sticking point in relations between the three Persian Gulf neighbors. 

The latest cycle began in 2022 when Saudi Arabia and Kuwait signed an agreement to jointly develop the field, ignoring Iran’s calls for dialogue to settle the dispute and demarcate the border.

In its statement, the Ministerial Council claimed that only Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have full rights to exploit the wealth in the Arash field or the submerged area.

MG