Trump Suggests US Could Stay in Iran and Take Control of Oil

DUBLIN: US President Donald Trump has suggested that Washington could potentially maintain a presence in Iran after the war and take control of the country’s oil resources, drawing a comparison with a recent US-backed oil arrangement in Venezuela.

Speaking during his visit to Ireland while attending the Irish Open golf championship, Trump said he expected the war with Iran to end later this year, possibly shortly after the November 3 midterm elections.

Trump said he would agree only to what he considered the “right deal” with Tehran and would not accept an agreement he regarded as inadequate. He also said Iran was repeatedly seeking peace negotiations, although Iranian officials have previously rejected such suggestions.

Trump Compares Iran With Venezuela

Trump floated the possibility that the United States could remain in Iran after the conflict instead of withdrawing completely.

He compared the idea with the recent US arrangement involving Venezuela’s oil sector, under which Washington secured significant control and economic rights linked to more than 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves, according to the White House.

Trump argued that revenues associated with Venezuela’s oil resources could offset the costs of US military operations and suggested that a similar approach could potentially be considered in Iran.

War Pushes Oil Prices Higher

Trump’s remarks came as the continuing conflict in the Middle East has caused major disruption in global energy markets.

Oil traders were expecting further price increases after a recent attack on a Saudi oil pipeline, while uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has continued to affect crude supplies and shipping. Brent crude had recently risen above $108 a barrel, according to market reports.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, meaning prolonged disruption can put substantial upward pressure on oil prices.

Trump Predicts War Will End This Year

Trump reiterated his expectation that the Iran war would end in 2026 and suggested that the November midterm elections could mark a turning point.

He has previously predicted that the conflict could end immediately after the elections, while US officials and analysts have warned that the war could continue much longer.

The widening gap between Trump’s public predictions and the uncertain military and diplomatic situation has added to questions over Washington’s long-term strategy.

Iran Rejects US Pressure

Iran has continued to reject US demands and military pressure, while maintaining restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing confrontation.

Tehran has also called for diplomatic solutions and regional dialogue, but negotiations have yet to produce a lasting settlement.

Trump’s latest comments therefore introduce a potentially controversial new dimension to the conflict, suggesting that Washington could seek not only to end the war but also to secure long-term economic benefits from Iran’s oil resources.

Any attempt to control Iranian oil or maintain a prolonged US presence in the country would likely have major geopolitical consequences and could further complicate prospects for a negotiated end to the conflict.