Durra dispute: Iran to start drilling at Arash gas field, despite Saudi-Kuwait deal

Iran has said that it will soon initiate drilling operations at Arash gas field despite a recent deal by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to jointly develop the giant offshore field, which they refer to as Durra.

Iranian Petroleum Minister Javad Owji recently said that Tehran has completed comprehensive studies of Arash, “by drilling exploration wells and conducting seismic surveys”, according to local media reports.

“With the installation of a jacket, the drilling operation in the field will begin soon,” he noted.

Owji’s statement on the Arash/Durra gas field is likely to further escalate tensions between Iran and its Persian Gulf neighbours, which are also aiming to progress the field’s development.

Owji said that while Iran wants to negotiate and cooperate for the development of joint fields, “unilateral measures will not prevent the implementation of the project”.

Arash/Durra is a giant shared offshore gas field that extends across Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Saeed Khatibzadeh, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said Tehran does not approve of the Saudi-Kuwait plan to develop the field, claiming it goes against ongoing procedures and previously held talks.

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