The gas field is located in a neutral maritime zone between Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Owji, who talked to reporters on the sidelines of the 17th IranPlast International Exhibition on Sunday, expressed hope that the issues related to the field will be settled through negotiation with Kuwait.

Earlier, 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.”