President Trump suggests US could capture Iran's oil, mirroring Venezuela deal
President Donald Trump stated the United States might seize control of Iranian oil reserves if the conflict continues, citing Venezuela's arrangement where Washington secured a fifth of its reserves in exchange for $209 billion.
U.S. President Donald Trump proposed on Sunday that the United States could retain control over Iran's oil supply indefinitely, drawing a direct comparison to an agreement made with Venezuela earlier this year. Speaking at the Irish Open golf championship in Dublin, Trump explained that while the United States intends to end the seven-month war against Iran this year or following November midterm elections, it might decide to stay if strategic advantages emerge. He noted that U.S. revenue from the Venezuelan deal, which granted access to approximately 65 billion barrels of oil reserves for $209 billion, has covered the cost of the war multiple times. Trump emphasized he would only pursue the "right deal" and dismissed ineffective negotiations. In a separate discussion aboard Air Force One, Trump brushed aside reports indicating Chinese entities may have provided satellite imagery to Iran prior to a July attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. personnel. He stated that both nations engage in surveillance, noting "They basically do what we do." The United States and China are expected to meet on September 24, though Beijing has not officially confirmed the visit. Meanwhile, ongoing tensions regarding the Strait of Hormuz have continued to impact energy markets globally.
