Dr. Saad Al Barrak, Kuwait Oil Minister and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs said his country "categorically and totally" rejected Iranian procedures and claims on Al Durra offshore gas field in the neutral zone connecting Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Only Kuwait and Saudi Arabia own "exclusive rights" to the field, the minister said in a statement, adding that the two countries are in agreement as one negotiating party.

Kuwait was "surprised" by Tehran's plans and intentions, which "contravene the basic principles of international relations," the minister underlined.

A Kuwaiti foreign ministry source had earlier urged the Iranian side to start negotiations over the demarcation of the marine boundary between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia on one hand and Tehran on the other.

Source: Bahrain News Agency