The Iran Project - Iran has rejected claims made by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regarding the joint ownership of the Arash or Al-Dorra oil and gas field by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanani, stated that the resources and subsoil of the Persian Gulf should be utilized based on goodwill and historical rights, in line with the common interests of the nations.

Kanani emphasized Iran's policy of pursuing friendly and constructive cooperation in the energy sector, including in the Arash field, during negotiations with Kuwait. He also highlighted that approaches based on common interests would pave the way for regional cooperation.

The territorial dispute over the Arash field, shared by Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, has resurfaced recently, with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait claiming exclusive rights over it.

Iran has reminded both countries of their legal responsibilities.

This long-standing dispute has been a major point of contention in relations between the three Persian Gulf neighbors since the 1960s.

The latest cycle of the dispute began in 2022 when Saudi Arabia and Kuwait signed an agreement to jointly develop the field, disregarding Iran's calls for dialogue and border demarcation.

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

Kanani also dismissed the GCC's claims about the three Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb in the Persian Gulf, stating that they are an integral part of Iranian territory.

He emphasized that any claim about their ownership holds no political or legal value. Iran has repeatedly emphasized its territorial integrity and sovereignty over these islands based on international law.

The islands were historically part of Iran but fell under British control in 1921.

However, Iran's sovereignty over the islands was restored on November 30, 1971, just before the UAE became an official federation.

The UAE has repeatedly laid claim to the islands. The GCC Ministerial Council's statement baselessly accused Iran of occupying the islands and expressed support for the UAE's sovereignty over them.

The council called on Iran to respond to the UAE's efforts to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice.

Furthermore, Kanani reiterated Iran's determination to advance its peaceful nuclear program and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) despite foreign pressure.

He stated that Iran's nuclear program would be developed and its cooperation with the IAEA conducted in accordance with the rights and obligations outlined in the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The GCC Ministerial Council emphasized in its statement the importance of Iran's commitment to peaceful uranium enrichment rates and its obligation to fully cooperate with the IAEA.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson wrapped up his statement by demanding all parties preserve the current positive atmosphere in the region and expand synergy and convergence to serve the national interests of the regional countries.