Skip to main content

Kuwait to begin drilling in disputed gas field with Iran

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s dispute with Iran over the Durra gas field is coming amid improved ties between Iran and the Gulf.

A file picture shows Kuwait's largest oil refinery at Al-Ahmadi complex, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the capital Kuwait City, Kuwait, Nov. 21, 2014.
A file picture shows Kuwait's largest oil refinery at Al-Ahmadi complex, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the capital Kuwait City, Kuwait, Nov. 21, 2014. — -/AFP via Getty Images

A Kuwaiti oil official said on Thursday that the Gulf state will begin drilling in al-Durra disputed gas field, further complicating the dispute with Iran that also involves Saudi Arabia.

Oil Minister Saad Al Barrak told Sky News Arabia that Kuwait will start drilling and begin production in the Durra field without waiting for the demarcation of its maritime border with Iran, Reuters reported.

Background: Al-Durra gas field, known as Arash in Iran, is in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait consider the field to be located within their neutral zone, but Iran claims a northern part of the field.

The dispute dates back to the 1960s, but has heated up recently. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait signed a deal last year to develop the deal. Iran called the move illegal. In June, the National Iranian Oil Company said it is preparing to drill in Durra. Both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia publicly rejected this earlier this month.

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

Access 1 free article per month when you sign up. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in

Related Topics