Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting on joint oil and gas fields, Javad Owji told SHANA 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.”

The oil minister said, “The Islamic Republic all the time supports 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 negotiation and reach an understanding with neighbors, and Iran also seeks the integrated and joint exploitation of the Arash field.”

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.