Javad Owji: Iran won’t retreat ‘an iota’ from right to exploit Arash gas field.
In this Persian‑language interview, Washington‑based oil‑energy analyst Omid Shokri discusses the escalating diplomatic dispute over the offshore Arash gas field that straddles the maritime borders of Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The conversation begins with Kuwait’s foreign minister being invited to Tehran, a move that signals Kuwait’s willingness to negotiate. Shokri explains that Iran, under President Ebrahim Raisi, is emphasizing diplomacy rather than unilateral action, citing internal political pressures and a broader strategy to prioritize investment projects that promise higher returns. He outlines the legal complexities surrounding the unresolved maritime boundary, noting that no specific international law currently compels Kuwait or Saudi Arabia to halt unilateral exploration, but that any such move could be challenged through international forums. Technical constraints—such as the need for advanced extraction technology and financing—further limit Iran’s ability to act quickly. Shokri concludes that, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia may push ahead to meet their short‑term gas needs, Iran is unlikely to launch an immediate operational response, preferring to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels and to focus on more lucrative energy projects.
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