Nasser Kanaani, who made the remarks in his weekly press conference, said the dispute over the gas field, known as Al-Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, is a technical issue.

On Friday, the spokesman dismissed claims by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council on the “joint ownership” by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia of the field.

the resources and subsoil of the Persian Gulf should be utilized on the basis of goodwill and historical rights and in line with the common interests of the nations, Kanaani continued.

Owji remarks

Oil Minister Javad Owji earlier said Iran will pursue its rights to the Arash field if other parties show no willingness to cooperate.

On July 30, the minister 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.

He 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.