Gulf Gas Field Dispute Tests Saudi-Iranian Peace Deal

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, affirmed on Monday Iran’s unwillingness to tolerate any violation of its claimed rights to the Durra gas field in the Gulf, mirroring comments made by Iran’s oil minister a day earlier. He expressed Iran’s readiness for dialogue but noted its plans to proceed with resource exploration and utilization if no mutual agreement can be reached.

A growing conflict over the gas field presents a major test to a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, mediated by China. The field, also referred to as Arash by Iran, is one of the 30 largest natural gas fields on the planet. Estimates of its size vary but suggest that it contains roughly 15 trillion cubic feet of gas. It is claimed by both Saudi Arabia and its neighbor, Kuwait. Iran, however, asserts it also has rights to the field. Despite discussions in March, no agreement on border demarcation was reached.

The contentious issue arises in the context of regional tension, with Saudi Arabia and Iran, despite a seven-year diplomatic freeze, backing opposite sides in Yemen’s civil war and diverging views on Israel. This, compounded by the US’s military buildup in response to Iran’s alleged actions against oil tankers and commercial vessels, adds to the complexity of the situation.