US President Donald Trump has said the United States might seize Iran’s oil resources, including the country’s main export centre at Kharg Island, as the conflict between Washington, Tehran, and Israel continues.
Trump made the comments in a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, saying Washington could use a plan similar to its actions in Venezuela, where he claimed the US now controls the oil business permanently.
He added that taking control of Kharg Island, where most of Iran’s oil is shipped from, is another possible option.
In his exact words: “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people.”
Trump continued: “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options. It would also mean we had to be there [in Kharg Island] for a while.”
He also dismissed Iranian defence forces, saying “I don’t think they have any defence. We could take it very easily.”
His remarks come as the ongoing conflict has pushed world oil prices up sharply, with Brent crude trading above $116 per barrel amid worries that supply could be hit.
Reports say the Pentagon has sent thousands of US troops to the Middle East, including around 3,500 personnel who arrived recently, along with extra Marines and soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. These forces are said to be trained for operations that include taking control of key sites.
Even with the growing military presence, Trump admitted there are risks if the US targets Iran’s oil facilities, including higher American casualties and a longer war.
He also said indirect talks with Iran are happening through go‑betweens such as Pakistani envoys, and suggested a peace deal might be reached soon. Trump has set an April 6 deadline for Iran to accept terms or face further US strikes on its energy infrastructure.
